California Pot Vote

[Edstock]

From the Sacramento Bee:

 

http://www.sacbee.com/2010/03/25/2631903/california-will-vote-on-legalization.html

 

California will vote on legalization of marijuana in November

 

California's annual pot crop is worth about $14 billion, according to the State Board of Equalization. It estimates that legalization and taxation could bring in up to $1.4 billion in revenue.

 

*********************************

 

U.S. Department of Justice

National Drug Intelligence Center

National Drug Threat Assessment 2010

 

http://www.justice.gov/ndic/pubs38/38661/index.htm

 

Overall, the availability of illicit drugs in the United States is increasing. In fact, in 2009 the prevalence of four of the five major drugs–heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)–was widespread and increasing in some areas. Conversely, cocaine shortages first identified in 2007 persisted in many markets.

 

… Although drug use remained relatively stable from 2007 through 2008, more than 25 million individuals 12 years of age and older reported using an illicit drug or using a controlled prescription drug (CPD) nonmedically in 2008. Each year, drug-related deaths number in the thousands, and treatment admissions and emergency department (ED) visits both exceed a million. These and other consequences of drug abuse, including lost productivity associated with abuse, the impact on the criminal justice system, and the environmental impact that results from the production of illicit drugs, are estimated at nearly $215 billion annually.

 

Mexican DTOs {drug trafficking organizations} continue to represent the single greatest drug trafficking threat to the United States. Mexican DTOs, already the predominant wholesale suppliers of illicit drugs in the United States, are gaining even greater strength in eastern drug markets where Colombian DTO strength is diminishing. The extent of Mexican DTO influence over domestic drug trafficking was evidenced in several ways in 2009.

 

… National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) analysts estimate that the overall threat posed by illicit drugs will not diminish in the near term. Although NDIC believes that sustained shortages of cocaine will persist in some U.S. markets in 2010, the availability of heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana will increase, largely the result of increased production of the drugs in Mexico. The growing strength and organization of criminal gangs, including their alliances with large Mexican DTOs, will make disrupting illicit drug availability and distribution increasingly difficult for law enforcement agencies.

 

Uh, just say no.

[Versa-Tech]

Just Say YES. I could write a book on all of the benefits of marijuana. I challenge anyone here to name a single adverse affect pertaining to it's use... well save the munchies :shades:

[RangerM]

I could write a book on all of the benefits of marijuana. I challenge anyone here to name a single adverse affect pertaining to it's use... well save the munchies :shades:

YES....{puff}...and we should all remember the benefits...{puff}....of industrial hemp cultivation....{puff}......its uses.....{puff}.....rope.....{puff}.........................................what was I just talking about?

[Len_A]

YES....{puff}...and we should all remember the benefits...{puff}....of industrial hemp cultivation....{puff}......its uses.....{puff}.....rope.....{puff}.........................................what was I just talking about?

ROFLMAO!

[Deanh]

Just Say YES. I could write a book on all of the benefits of marijuana. I challenge anyone here to name a single adverse affect pertaining to it's use... well save the munchies :shades:

how about gross overuse of the words Gnarley, Dude and SWEEEEEEET for a start off.....inadvertant Valley girl imitations...and failure to remember where the car is parked....

[Versa-Tech]

YES....{puff}...and we should all remember the benefits...{puff}....of industrial hemp cultivation....{puff}......its uses.....{puff}.....rope.....{puff}.........................................what was I just talking about?

 

 

how about gross overuse of the words Gnarley, Dude and SWEEEEEEET for a start off.....inadvertant Valley girl imitations...and failure to remember where the car is parked....

:hysterical:

[Ron W.]

I've smoked my fair share, quit about 20 / 25 years ago. The only benefit I've seen from smoking pot was when my freind had cancer, he couldn't keep food down, about 3 bites into the meal he had to run to the bathroom and vomit,, came back out with his pipe 2 or 3 inhales later he was able to eat without vomiting.

Only non-personal benefit I can see would be the income for the state - feds from taxes and a possible lowering in the crime rate.

 

I don't know if I'd vote yes or no.

[Versa-Tech]

I've smoked my fair share, quit about 20 / 25 years ago. The only benefit I've seen from smoking pot was when my freind had cancer, he couldn't keep food down, about 3 bites into the meal he had to run to the bathroom and vomit,, came back out with his pipe 2 or 3 inhales later he was able to eat without vomiting.

Only non-personal benefit I can see would be the income for the state - feds from taxes and a possible lowering in the crime rate.

 

I don't know if I'd vote yes or no.

What about all of the potentially successful inventors, designers, and entrepreneurs that are being incarcerated every day, therefore depriving society of their future contributions. Pot Legislation ruins some of our most potentially successful minds' lives... guys who have never harmed another human being in their entire life... meanwhile we're letting child molesters off on probation and house arrest

[Deanh]

I've smoked my fair share, quit about 20 / 25 years ago. The only benefit I've seen from smoking pot was when my freind had cancer, he couldn't keep food down, about 3 bites into the meal he had to run to the bathroom and vomit,, came back out with his pipe 2 or 3 inhales later he was able to eat without vomiting.

Only non-personal benefit I can see would be the income for the state - feds from taxes and a possible lowering in the crime rate.

 

I don't know if I'd vote yes or no.

never partaken myself....I cough up a lung around ANY type of smoke, side effect of running i think...however, bei ng arounsd a multitude of buddies whom burn the curtains at regular intervals, and watching the degradation of ANY form of motor-skills, I would say OK but with serious consequences for those behind wheels or in cahrge of ANYTHING where lifes are endangered...ie...Airline pilots ( over- exageration there for artistic emphasis )

[Versa-Tech]

never partaken myself....I cough up a lung around ANY type of smoke, side effect of running i think...however, bei ng arounsd a multitude of buddies whom burn the curtains at regular intervals, and watching the degradation of ANY form of motor-skills, I would say OK but with serious consequences for those behind wheels or in cahrge of ANYTHING where lifes are endangered...ie...Airline pilots ( over- exageration there for artistic emphasis )

Funny, I used to smoke one before qualifying... after a few poles other drivers followed suit. It's important to understand that while mind altering substances have definitive effects, the minds that they're altering are not one in the same. For people with hyperawareness and anxiety issues, Marijuana actually improves responsiveness and fluid motor skills.

[Deanh]

Funny, I used to smoke one before qualifying... after a few poles other drivers followed suit. It's important to understand that while mind altering substances have definitive effects, the minds that they're altering are not one in the same. For people with hyperawareness and anxiety issues, Marijuana actually improves responsiveness and fluid motor skills.

great, lets institute dexterity testing for specific Pot smokers that allow A% to drive, B% to operate chainsaws....C% to practice dentistry D% to utilize public restrooms....hmmm, could make a humourous list.....the potential here for a can of worms is pretty huge....so i'm fine , just stay at home....if one is caught severity of the crime should be similar to alcohol....response to my thoughts should be interesting....lol

Edited March 29, 2010 by Deanh

[Ron W.]

...if one is caught severity of the crime should be similar to alcohol....response to my thoughts should be interesting....lol

 

 

I agree but how would a cop on the side of the road test for it, a Breathalyzer ? Don't think that'll work when it comes to pot.

 

Versa, as far as inventors I'm pretty sure pot's been around a long time. Designers, yea we need to cross breed so we can increase the THC content ( NOT )

 

As far as letting child molesters etc go, I'm right there with you.

 

And there are DAM few if any that will have an increase in dexterity, thought process's increasing etc. after smoking pot... I've never met one.

[Deanh]

I agree but how would a cop on the side of the road test for it, a Breathalyzer ? Don't think that'll work when it comes to pot.

 

Versa, as far as inventors I'm pretty sure pot's been around a long time. Designers, yea we need to cross breed so we can increase the THC content ( NOT )

 

As far as letting child molesters etc go, I'm right there with you.

 

And there are DAM few if any that will have an increase in dexterity, thought process's increasing etc. after smoking pot... I've never met one.

blood tests on suspicion? ( giveaway....BLOOD red eyes ...LMAO! )

Edited March 29, 2010 by Deanh

[Ron W.]

blood tests on suspicion?

 

 

Don't think that'll work either, different than acohol

 

LINK

 

With usual tests 0.5 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of THC and 0.5 ng/ml of its metabolite THC-COOH can be detected in blood plasma. The time until falling short of this detection limit after consumption varies considerably, even if the same amount of THC was ingested.

After smoking a low dose cannabis cigarette (about 16 mg THC) the detection limit of 0.5 ng/ml THC in plasma was reached after 7.2 hours on average (range: 3-12 hours) and following a high dose cigarette (about 34 mg THC) a plasma concentration of 0.5 ng/ml THC was reached within 12.5 hours (range: 6-27 hours). The metabolite THC-COOH was detectable for a considerably longer time, for 3,5 days (range: 2-7 days) after the low dose and for 6,3 days (range 3-7 days) after smoking the high dose cigarette.

The elimination half life for THC metabolites from plasma is longer than the elimination half life of the THC itsself. With regular use THC-COOH may be detectable in the plasma for several weeks.

 

I have no idea how it could be tested for in a similar manor as alcohol... :shrug:

[Deanh]

Don't think that'll work either, different than acohol

 

LINK

 

 

 

I have no idea how it could be tested for in a similar manor as alcohol... :shrug:

perhaps the CHP could institute such underhanded examples of entrapment such as Twinkies on fishlines cast from hidden squad cars.........

[Ron W.]

perhaps the CHP could institute such underhanded examples of entrapment such as Twinkies on fishlines cast from hidden squad cars.........

 

Make it Screaming yellow zonkers instead and you might be on to something

 

LINK

 

Lincoln Snacks asserts that SYZs were the first food item to be packaged in black.[citation needed] The box contained humorous copy, such as suggestions about what to do with Screaming Yellow Zonkers, or that 8 oz. (226g) = 1/4,409 of a metric ton. (This comic content was provided by Allan Katz and Howie Krakow who wrote the copy on the first several boxes, and the award-winning TV and radio campaigns.) Zonkers were geared toward those who enjoy sweetened popcorn without nuts, as opposed to products like Cracker Jack. Screaming Yellow Zonkers were kosher, but did contain dairy products.

 

While the front of the package was simple and understated, the rest of the Zonkers box was completely covered with absurdist copy, accompanied by illustrations, informing the reader everything from “how to wash Zonkers” to “how to mate them”. The bottom of the box explained how to determine if it were indeed the bottom: “Open the top, and turn the box upside down. If the Zonkers fall out, this is the bottom. If they fall up, this is the top. If nothing happens, this box is empty.”

[Versa-Tech]

I agree but how would a cop on the side of the road test for it, a Breathalyzer ? Don't think that'll work when it comes to pot.

I've been pulled over stoned out of my mind half a dozen times... the reason? Expired inspection stickers... every time. I have only once been asked if I had been drinking (at 2AM on a saturday)... when I answered (truthfully) "no", the officer dismissed any suspicion immediately.

 

The fact is that most people are horrible drivers... no mind altering substances involved. Skilled drivers who smoke pot still drive better than 90% of people on the road.

[chiefstang]

I've been pulled over stoned out of my mind half a dozen times... the reason? Expired inspection stickers... every time. I have only once been asked if I had been drinking (at 2AM on a saturday)... when I answered (truthfully) "no", the officer dismissed any suspicion immediately.

 

The fact is that most people are horrible drivers... no mind altering substances involved. Skilled drivers who smoke pot still drive better than 90% of people on the road.

 

I am without a doubt a safer driver when stoned than sober.

 

Less aggressive, more law abiding, and a laser-like focus capable of spotting a squad car 3/4 of a mile up the road.... Around the bend.... Behind a tree...

[Deanh]

I am without a doubt a safer driver when stoned than sober.

 

Less aggressive, more law abiding, and a laser-like focus capable of spotting a squad car 3/4 of a mile up the road.... Around the bend.... Behind a tree...

Its a bird, its a plane no its.......SUPERSTONER! .......lol

[Ron W.]

Skilled drivers who smoke pot still drive better than 90% of people on the road.

 

 

I am without a doubt a safer driver when stoned than sober

 

 

Personal perceptions?

Keep in mind I've driven after smoking pot and or drinking alcohol and or the combination of the two, never had a DUI or DWI or been arrested. Was I more skilled or just lucky?

[xr7g428]

Back in the 1970's there was a research paper that concluded that taxing pot cold pay off the national debt in three years and cover about 1/3rd of the national budget. Of course, the government has gotten out of control since then, but I digress. The gist of the study was that farmers would make about twice what they did growing wheat. (cultivation is similar, although pot required much less fertilizer and pesticides). The product would then be taxed up to current market prices ( $10 an once back then ). As it turned out there would be close to $9.98 in taxes per ounce. They also stipulated that the potency would be regulated by including leaves and stems and this would both increase the efficiency of production as well as stimulate consumption. One concern was that smoking pot might lead to cigarette smoking, so edible forms were to be encouraged. I think people were smoking a lot more pot back then...

[Deanh]

Personal perceptions?

Keep in mind I've driven after smoking pot and or drinking alcohol and or the combination of the two, never had a DUI or DWI or been arrested. Was I more skilled or just lucky?

I've got you ALL beat.....Halloween, in FULL costume, dressed as a PUNK Black and White Minstrel ( google and hold the race card please ) with pink Spiked hair and beard, was before the Helmet laws in Cal. Went to a place my girlfriend was working in Huntington beach called Perq's...won third prize. Got back on the bike absolutely TOASTED, got pulled over drunk off my ass two blocks from home, Cop was laughing so hard he escorted me home, no ticket or anything...he missed the fact i couldnt put the kickstand down quick enough and fell over in my driveway...TWICE.. funny, but I was an idiot...AND the black makeup was in my pores for two weeks....ron, in my case I was LUCKY, damn LUCKY...especially considering the leiniency of the officer...

[Versa-Tech]

I am without a doubt a safer driver when stoned than sober.

 

Less aggressive, more law abiding, and a laser-like focus capable of spotting a squad car 3/4 of a mile up the road.... Around the bend.... Behind a tree...

Exactly

 

 

Its a bird, its a plane no its.......SUPERSTONER! .......lol

 

 

Personal perceptions?

Keep in mind I've driven after smoking pot and or drinking alcohol and or the combination of the two, never had a DUI or DWI or been arrested. Was I more skilled or just lucky?

Probably a mix of both... but I must point out that while small doses of THC can improve driving dynamics (Steering feel, pedal feel, apex vectoring), driving under the influence of alcohol is downright dangerous. I have driven drunk before and I am not proud of it. Motor Vehicles are the deadliest weapon available to the average person today. Driving while drunk is comparable to negligent manslaughter in my book... regardless of your driving skill. In the past I have actually severed relationships with people because they couldn't respect the dangers of driving while intoxicated.

[Edstock]

and fluid motor skills.

Like hitting the urinal?

[Deanh]

Like hitting the urinal?

polite pot smokers sit down to pee.....or put cross hairs on the end of their......