New Poll: 52% Say Marijuana Should Be Legal, Taxed, Regulated

Zogby Poll Commissioned by Conservative Group Is Similar to Other Recent Surveys.

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - A new Zogby poll commissioned by the conservative-leaning O'Leary Report has found 52 percent voter support for treating marijuana as a legal, taxed, regulated substance.

The survey, published as a full-page ad in today's issue of the political newspaper The Hill, polled a sample of 3,937 voters weighted to match the 2008 presidential outcome -- 54 percent Obama voters and 46 percent McCain supporters.

"This new survey continues the recent trend of strong and growing support for taxing and regulating marijuana and ending the disastrously failed policy of prohibition," said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, D.C.

Voters were asked: "Scarce law enforcement and prison resources, a desire to neutralize drug cartels and the need for new sources of revenue have resurrected the topic of legalizing marijuana.

"Proponents say it makes sense to tax and regulate the drug while opponents say that legalization would lead marijuana users to use other illegal drugs. Would you favor or oppose the government's effort to legalize marijuana?"

The results showed a decisive majority of 52 percent in favor with 37 percent opposed and 11 percent not sure -- slightly higher than the 46 percent support reported in an ABC News/Washington Post poll released at the end of April.

In California, the respected Field poll recently found 56 percent support for making marijuana a taxed, regulated product that is legal for adults.

"Voters are coming to realize that marijuana prohibition gives us the worst of all possible worlds -- a drug that's widely available but totally unregulated, whose producers and sellers pay no taxes but whose profits often support murderous drug cartels," Kampia said.

With more than 27,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States.

MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol.

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cole. t August 31, 2010 2:59 pm (Pacific time)

legalize it god danm! its better for u than beer, cigoretts and do u see us maning those illegal? no, so why is WEED???

Dan J May 8, 2010 9:22 pm (Pacific time)

If you support the continued PROHIBITION of marijuana, then you support the Mexican drug cartels and all of the resulting violence. Legalize cannabis. It is the morally correct thing to do.

Cannabis Enthusiast April 21, 2010 8:57 pm (Pacific time)

Excuse my bad grammar, I'm typing this from my Iphone. Well I think marijuana should be legalized as a controlled taxed sudbstance for a few reasons. The first one is the question of selling/cultivating, well dealers could be 3 different kinds of people, 1 being a highschool kid who wants a little extra money and because they might want other people around them to enjoy the substance with them. Then there's just plain old drug dealers on the street who need the money for certain things whether it's booze, bills, food, or shelter. These past two people I mentioned are generally harmless. But the third person I'm about to mention can be very dangerous, and very often is. This person is the big time cultivater/distributors, obviously this wouldn't be just one man/women which makes them even more dangerous. Well these people have a big hidden greenhouse and they grow huge amounts of marijuana and distribute it to their dealers who pay a low unit price for very large amounts of weed, ex. 1 kilogram for $5,000 ($5 per gram) and then these dealers will sell it on the street to either common users or other more small time dealers and they charge them a ridiculous price like $15-$20 per gram. The common users and small time dealers aren't interested in getting robbed or jailed so they for the most part don't cultivate and if they do they only grow a relatively small amount. But back to the big time cultivators, these people are usually gangs, and possess ilegal weapons, deal/use other illegal drugs, and often have gang wars with there competition. They also might rob and/or KILL succesful small time dealers or users because they are so closely linked. Also the average user or small time cultivator/dealer if they feel threatened or are at risk can't go to the police because they too will get arrested and possibly killed by the cultivating distibutors for "snitching". Now I'm a junior in highschool and at The school I go to 85% of the students try marijuana, and from my knowledge most of them possess at school and buy from dealers at school. My school also happened to be one of the most academically successful schools in the nation and a lot of the marijuana users get phenominal grades and are good people. Around 20 students have been caught possesing or selling marijuana. I know most of them and a few of them who were very good kids where told that they were criminals and expelled. Prohibition is unfair, and very flawed, it's got young kids selling weed and at the same time they think they are hard core criminals because that's what we are taught at school. Weed is not the way we are supposed to filter out the bad kids, weed has been getting good kids thrown in jail, expelled, put on probation, and sometimes kids even get kicked out of their house because of it. Also and most obviously, prohibition of marijuana is putting large amounts of money in the hands of minors, and criminals. Here's an anecdote to help explain the dangers, and corruption prohibition has created. "Jim and Dianne are a married couple and they are both in their high 20s. They live in a house in the greater area of the new York city, they pay all their bills and the only illegal activity that goes on in this house is cultivation, possesing and possibly dealing small amounts of marijuana. Jim and Diane sell to people that they are familiar with occasionally. So they invited their friend pat who has always been a little wayward, he smokes a lot of weed, but he has also gotten in trouble for theft, and assault and battery. He has a few problems but Jim and Diane have known him for a while and don't mind selling to him and have no reason not to trust them. So they smoked with pat and he enjoyed the weed very much and asked if they sold, Jim and Diane nodded their heads and took him to where they were growing a couple plants and the jar of about 1-3 pounds of cultivated marijauna, Pat bought an ounce and left. Three days later Jim and Diane woke up to the sound of a crash, so they hurried downstairs to see what was going on and they saw over near the kitchen where they kept their weed was Pat and a few other ARMED men who were plundering their stash. When they noticed Jim and Diane standing there they beat them into submission and tied them up. After this they pointed their guns at them and demanded that they tell them where they keep all of their cash if they want to make it through the night. And they also told Jim and Diane that if they snitch then they will kill them. So Jim and Diane were victims of Assault and battery, breaking and entering, armed robbery, theft, and their security was threatened. Where do they go? Surely if they went to the cops the criminals who stole from them would kill them, not only that but the cops would arrest them and they'd end up in jail. So they can't call the cops, but now they lost all their weed, and 2000$ cash. Also they aren't sure whether or not pat and his friends are gonna come back for more, they now have to live their lives in fear of that happening again." this is why it is very important that marijuana should be legalized, crimes are being caused because of the illegal trade, and the police are unaware. The world of marijuana is a jungle, there is no law, the only focus for the cultivating distributors is not to get caught, and to make money. As for the users and small time sellers it's to make a little extra cash for innocent reasons, and to enjoy the substance. Now if marijuana was legalized then crime would be significantly lowered, and people like Jim and Diane wouldn't have to worry about being shot. Marijuana as a drug is NOT addicting and does not strongly alter motor skills, hand eye coordination, social structure, or lifestyle. Compare weed to other illegal substances like crack cocaine, heroine, mushrooms, LSD, methamphetamine, percaset, steroids, PCP. All of these drugs have effects that often lead to death and destruction. Weed isn't unhealthy, it doesn't cause people to do wreckless things, and it's not addictive, I think if people can just put weed next to the other illegal substances then we would put an end to the failed prohibition of marijuana, and we can focus on the war on REAL DANGEROUS drugs. I have a lot more to say but I'd like someone to dish out an arguement before I share all my knowledge on the subject.

Steve Turchin December 21, 2009 1:12 pm (Pacific time)

The states are not dumb anymore my sweet America! We know the truth, we got the power to legalize god's creation and deal with the hypocritisizers who ruin this world, and make it a terrible, sad, violent place to live at. We are waking up friends, we can put this world back to how it was before the governments and it's terror took this world to pain and sorrow. Its time! The herb will cure is all...

Rush Limbaugh December 11, 2009 9:05 pm (Pacific time)

Anyone who use marijuana supports terrorism... now where's my doctors to prescribe my OXY when I need them?

Obama say legalize it December 11, 2009 9:03 pm (Pacific time)

How bout this, Mother F#*k the American Government. I'll continue to smoke herb and will continue to HATE this f*#king country and all of it's hypoctical lies regardless of what the politicians and the punk bitch law enforcers decide. I'm in the process of leaving my family on the east coast and living on the west coast cause I don't want to pee in a cup to prove I'm a good employee and I don't want to end up imprisoned for what can pass elsewhere. This country has the greatest people in the world, it's just ashame our government doesn't listen to us. For the people by the who?

denbee December 11, 2009 6:49 pm (Pacific time)

We will get what we want not by begging pretty please. 70 years of lies and deception have created a bad law that has disinfranchised and made criminals of millions of good citizens. These laws only serve to cause disdain and loathing for those who created them and those who inforce them. A recent poll reported that 52% of americans now feel that cannabis should be legal, taxed and regulated. Seems like a majority to me. So it just may be that it would be advantagious for political creatures to educate themselves about cannabis for a change. After all, we are now the MAJORITY and we vote also. I am filled with glee!

Brandon November 13, 2009 11:00 am (Pacific time)

You should legalize it because it helps a lot of ppl. And pretty much everybody in my neighborhood smokes PLEASE.... LEGALIZE IT!!!!!!!

Brandon November 13, 2009 10:58 am (Pacific time)

You should legalize it because it helps a lot of ppl. And pretty much everybody in my neighborhood smokes PLEASE.... LEGALIZE IT!!!!!!!

r dawg November 5, 2009 6:58 am (Pacific time)

make it legal i smoke daily and i make more money then my dad :D

Kari October 25, 2009 7:34 pm (Pacific time)

let this happen PLEASE!

Justin October 25, 2009 7:33 pm (Pacific time)

Make it legal so it can be taxed.

Brandon October 25, 2009 7:32 pm (Pacific time)

I agree with it being legalized so we can TAX IT!

bobby October 25, 2009 7:30 pm (Pacific time)

Please make it legal so they can tax it.

steffen October 25, 2009 7:29 pm (Pacific time)

make it legal!

christopher October 25, 2009 7:20 pm (Pacific time)

Make it legal PLEASE! So we can tax it,stop wars, and build a better USA

Ryan DeWald October 21, 2009 10:54 am (Pacific time)

Hey ryan here another teen speaking out look weed should be legalyzed because it helps you calm down and mello out im 14 and for the record i have also smoked weed i love it they should legalyz it it has different effects on everybody for me it keeps my nerves busy LEGALIZE IT PLEASE

Legalize It July 16, 2009 12:07 pm (Pacific time)

I'm sick of it!!!!!!!!! I like pot. You like beer. Who's correct on this? It's insane. The millions should not need a buffer like medical marijuana to get smoke. The intolerant squares (that enjoy a drink) say they just want medical marijuana to get high. And saying it's medical is an excuse. Well so what. I will never touch crack, coke, or meth. And it's never been gateway drug for me or any of my successful adult friends. I get high once every 2 weeks. Why do I have to have excuses? This whole law is illogical Why not make donuts and soft drinks illegal? They make you fat and give you diabetes. And everyone knows one donut leads to another. I like pot. So what. Am I a sinner? Have I hurt anyone? Have I stole anything? You like a drink. I like a puff. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? Just legalize it, tax it, regulate it. AND END THE CRIME AND VIOLENCE CREATED BY KEEPING IT ILLEGAL! What a bunch of *%*^$and hypocrites!

meh July 3, 2009 12:51 pm (Pacific time)

yes! they had me on all kinds of medications that nearly killed me, but marijuana is the best medicine for me and the least toxic. Legalize now!

Harold This June 16, 2009 1:18 pm (Pacific time)

The biggest problem with the drug issue is that it is associeated with the black market culture that it HAD to have come to once these things were surpressed under prohibition laws. America itself HAS NEVER BEEN DRUG FREE and NEVER WILL BE DRUG FREE. Abe Lincoln said it goes against the very essense of what the constitution means to institute a prohibition of anything in th esense to legislate morality. It isnt about that. The smoke and mirrors of this whole mess never seems to come out. Read the first three chapters of Emporer Wears no Clothes for free Online and see a WINDOW of why drugs are really illegal in US. I dont know about Canada but im willing to suspect its over the same things by the very same poeple. The uses of on-medical hemp alone would HELP our economy and they know that in Washington DC. yes, they made a film in 1943 to encourage farmers to begin growing hemp... AGAIN in war efforts to make .... MONEY. like this country was Foudned on. Its no joke that Washington Grew Hemp. So did B Franlin and T Jefferson and MANY OTHERS. They did it because of the usefulness of it. PLUS they did it to get hhigh from it. The biggest problem with the drug issue is that it is associeated with the black market culture that it HAD to have come to once these things were surpressed under prohibition laws. America itself HAS NEVER BEEN DRUG FREE and NEVER WILL BE DRUG FREE. Abe Lincoln said it goes against the very essense of what the constitution means to institute a prohibition of anything in th esense to legislate morality. It isnt about that. The smoke and mirrors of this whole mess never seems to come out. Read the first three chapters of Emporer Wears no Clothes for free Online and see a WINDOW of why drugs are really illegal in US. I dont know about Canada, but im willing to suspect its over the same things by the very same poeple. The uses of non-medical hemp alone would HELP our economy and they know that in Washington DC. Yes they do, they made a film in 1943 to encourage farmers to begin growing hemp called "HEMP FOR VICTORY"... AGAIN in war efforts to make .... MONEY and to have useful items needed in war. like this country was Foudned on. Its no joke that G. Washington Grew Hemp. So did B Franlin and T Jefferson and MANY OTHER Founding fathers.They said it was ESSENTIAL for EVERY farmer to have at least 11 acres growing all the time for industrial uses. They did it because of the usefulness of it. PLUS they did it to get high from it. Yet OUR American government REFUSES TO ALLOW THIS NEED? They spend our tax dollars on it instead fromimporting it, becuase they DO BUY IT. It should not be the CHOICE of a few to supress the MULTITUDE over their own freedoms of choice for marijuanna or ANY drug (if they deceide to riun theor lives, they will do it anyway and HAVE), but this is what they do and most of the time, the poeple are UNaware of it. We have the rightwing vs leftwing when the main agendas from administration to administration remain the same, no matter who is in charge. Obama is carrying out Bushs policy as Bush is carrying out Clinton's policyies etc. Makeing drugs illegal makes them MUCH more money than if it were legal. This is why they want it to stay illegal and it WILL stay illegal. It conflicts the cotton industry, the soy industry, the flax industry, paint industry (DUPONT mainly) companies for PLASTIC products (yes you can maek plastic from weed), PAPER = Pulpwood, BIOFUEL, It is the most economical resourceful plant in the world needing less than any other to produce more than any other. in Medicine and textiles. We would never have to cut down another tree for any paper product if we grew hemp. The DECLARTIOIN OF INDEPENDANCE was written on HEMP, Our early BIBLES were printed on HEMP. Our clothes and the first LEVIS JEANES WERE ALL HEMP. Hemp lasts longer, therefore it rivals the clothing industry in sales. It is SOFTER than cotton. ALl our ship's sails and army's parachutes were all HEMP. Medical Science, NOT ME, has deemed cannabis, the MOST nutritional plant on the planet, the most useful medicinal wise and our government has told us that it has NO medical value whatso ever? THEY LIE! When will you all wake up! it is not a white lie to keep us 'safe' from ourselves, it is a DARK lie to make MONEY. Therefore, most of all it rivals the Pharmecuetical companies who make money on sick people, not The biggest problem with the drug issue is that it is associeated with the black market culture that it HAD to have come to once these things were surpressed under prohibition laws. America itself HAS NEVER BEEN DRUG FREE and NEVER WILL BE DRUG FREE. Until 1938 you could go into ANY grocery store and buy opim and cocaine by the pound, LEGALLY. There was no black market atatched and no prostitutioin or people killing each other over it to get it from one place to another. Why? Because it was readily available. They know this. They knew what prohibition from alcohold did. They HAD to have something illegal and almost placed COFFEE on teh list but i guess assumed no one was willing to klill over caffine. We probably wouldnt have crack cocaine destroying lilves if people were able to still go and buy a pound of cocaine and cocacoloa was still abel to use cocaine in their drink. where the need? and if so, so what. poeple will chooose to ruin tehir lives if something is illegal or NOT. It has not stopped one person from doing as they choose, but it has stopped people from being to do what our founding Fathers and God wants us to be able to do and that have Life, Liberty and the Persuit oif Happiness. US gov has destroyed our bill of rights in many ways but the war on drugs and terrorism is the main culprit now. and that is the ONLY way those two items can be attributed to each other in a sentace. one has nothing to do with the other. Supporting drugs does NOT support terrorism unless you want to call the US government a group of terrorists. For they are the ones who took over the Taliban who had the opium trade undercontrol and almost irradicated until the USA stepped in and now its in full, FULL production. Yep, look it up. We are the cause of the Heroin on our streets. its the biggest hypocracy Ive ever heard of in histroy of the world besides putting Jesus Christ to death on the cross. Abe Lincoln said it goes against the very essense of what the constitution means to institute a prohibition of anything in th esense to legislate morality. It isnt about that. The smoke and mirrors of this whole mess never seems to come out. Read the first three chapters of Emporer Wears no Clothes for free Online and see a WINDOW of why drugs are really illegal in US. I dont know about Canada, but im willing to suspect its over the same things by the very same poeple. The uses of non-medical hemp alone would HELP our economy and they know that in Washington DC. Yes they do, they made a film in 1943 to encourage farmers to begin growing hemp called "HEMP FOR VICTORY"... AGAIN in war efforts to make .... MONEY and to have useful items needed in war. like this country was Foudned on. Its no joke that G. Washington Grew Hemp. So did B Franlin and T Jefferson and MANY OTHER Founding fathers.They said it was ESSENTIAL for EVERY farmer to have at least 11 acres growing all the time for industrial uses. They did it because of the usefulness of it. PLUS they did it to get high from it. Yet OUR American government REFUSES TO ALLOW THIS NEED? They spend our tax dollars on it instead fromimporting it, becuase they DO BUY IT. It should not be the CHOICE of a few to supress the MULTITUDE over their own freedoms of choice for marijuanna or ANY drug (if they deceide to riun theor lives, they will do it anyway and HAVE), but this is what they do and most of the time, the poeple are UNaware of it. We have the rightwing vs leftwing when the main agendas from administration to administration remain the same, no matter who is in charge. Obama is carrying out Bushs policy as Bush is carrying out Clinton's policyies etc. Makeing drugs illegal makes them MUCH more money than if it were legal. This is why they want it to stay illegal and it WILL stay illegal. It conflicts the cotton industry, the soy industry, the flax industry, paint industry (DUPONT mainly) companies for PLASTIC products (yes you can maek plastic from weed), PAPER = Pulpwood, BIOFUEL, It is the most economical resourceful plant in the world needing less than any other to produce more than any other. in Medicine and textiles. We would never have to cut down another tree for any paper product if we grew hemp. The DECLARTIOIN OF INDEPENDANCE was written on HEMP, Our early BIBLES were printed on HEMP. Our clothes and the first LEVIS JEANES WERE ALL HEMP. Hemp lasts longer, therefore it rivals the clothing industry in sales. It is SOFTER than cotton. ALl our ship's sails and army's parachutes were all HEMP. Medical Science, NOT ME, has deemed cannabis, the MOST nutritional plant on the planet, the most useful medicinal wise and our government has told us that it has NO medical value whatso ever? THEY LIE! When will you all wake up! it is not a white lie to keep us 'safe' from ourselves, it is a DARK lie to make MONEY. The biggest problem with the drug issue is that it is associeated with the black market culture that it HAD to have come to once these things were surpressed under prohibition laws. America itself HAS NEVER BEEN DRUG FREE and NEVER WILL BE DRUG FREE. and that probably goes for all nations. Until 1938 you could go into ANY grocery store and buy cannabis, opium and cocaine by the pound, LEGALLY. There was no black market attached and no prostitutiion lifestyles or people killing each other over it to get it from one place to another. Why? Because it was readily available. They know this. They knew what prohibition of alcohol did to the nation. It made the CRIMINALS MONEY and that was all. It took away the regulation of ANY type of safety (they made the crack form of alcohol = moonshine due to prohibition). They HAD to have something illegal and almost placed COFFEE on the list, but i guess assumed no one was willing to klill over caffine. We probably wouldnt have crack cocaine destroying lilves if people were able to still go and buy a pound of cocaine and coca-cola was still able to use cocaine in their drink. wheres the need? and if so, so what. poeple will choose to ruin their lives if something is illegal or NOT. THIS NATION WAS FOUNDED ON FREEDOMS FOR THE POEPLE, BY THE POEPLE. Making drugs illegal, has not stopped one person from doing as they choose, but it has stopped people from being to do what our founding Fathers and God wants us to be able to do and thats have Life, Liberty and the Persuit oif Happiness. US gov has destroyed our bill of rights in many ways but the war on drugs and terrorism is the main culprit now. and that is the ONLY way those two items can be attributed to each other in a sentance. one has nothing to do with the other. Supporting drugs does NOT support terrorism unless you want to call the US government a group of terrorists. For they are the ones who took over the Taliban who had the opium trade/poppy production undercontrol and almost irradicated until the USA stepped in and now its in full, FULL production. Yep, look it up. We are the cause of the Heroin on our streets. its the biggest hypocracy Ive ever heard of in histroy of the world besides putting Jesus Christ to death on the cross. Abe Lincoln said it goes against the very essense of what the constitution means to institute a prohibition of anything in th esense to legislate morality. It isnt about that. The smoke and mirrors of this whole mess never seems to come out. Read the first three chapters of Emporer Wears no Clothes for free Online and see a WINDOW of why drugs are really illegal in US. I dont know about Canada, but im willing to suspect its over the same things by the very same poeple. The uses of non-medical hemp alone would HELP our economy and they know that in Washington DC. Yes they do, they made a film in 1943 to encourage farmers to begin growing hemp called "HEMP FOR VICTORY"... AGAIN in war efforts to make .... MONEY and to have useful items needed in war. like this country was Foudned on. Its no joke that G. Washington Grew Hemp. So did B Franlin and T Jefferson and MANY OTHER Founding fathers.They said it was ESSENTIAL for EVERY farmer to have at least 11 acres growing all the time for industrial uses. They did it because of the usefulness of it. PLUS they did it to get high from it. Yet OUR American government REFUSES TO ALLOW THIS NEED? They spend our tax dollars on it instead fromimporting it, becuase they DO BUY IT. It should not be the CHOICE of a few to supress the MULTITUDE over their own freedoms of choice for marijuanna or ANY drug (if they deceide to riun theor lives, they will do it anyway and HAVE), but this is what they do and most of the time, the poeple are UNaware of it. We have the rightwing vs leftwing when the main agendas from administration to administration remain the same, no matter who is in charge. Obama is carrying out Bushs policy as Bush is carrying out Clinton's policyies etc. Makeing drugs illegal makes them MUCH more money than if it were legal. This is why they want it to stay illegal and it WILL stay illegal. It conflicts the cotton industry, the soy industry, the flax industry, paint industry (DUPONT mainly) companies for PLASTIC products (yes you can maek plastic from weed), PAPER = Pulpwood, BIOFUEL, It is the most economical resourceful plant in the world needing less than any other to produce more than any other. in Medicine and textiles. We would never have to cut down another tree for any paper product if we grew hemp. The DECLARTIOIN OF INDEPENDANCE was written on HEMP, Our early BIBLES were printed on HEMP. Our clothes and the first LEVIS JEANES WERE ALL HEMP. Hemp lasts longer, therefore it rivals the clothing industry in sales. It is SOFTER than cotton. ALl our ship's sails and army's parachutes were all HEMP. The biggest problem with the drug issue is that it is associeated with the black market culture that it HAD to have come to once these things were surpressed under prohibition laws. America itself HAS NEVER BEEN DRUG FREE and NEVER WILL BE DRUG FREE. and that probably goes for all nations. Until 1938 you could go into ANY grocery store and buy cannabis, opium and cocaine by the pound, LEGALLY. There was no black market attached and no prostitutiion lifestyles or people killing each other over it to get it from one place to another. Why? Because it was readily available. They know this. They knew what prohibition of alcohol did to the nation. It made the CRIMINALS MONEY and that was all. It took away the regulation of ANY type of safety (they made the crack form of alcohol = moonshine due to prohibition). They HAD to have something illegal and almost placed COFFEE on the list, but i guess assumed no one was willing to klill over caffine. We probably wouldnt have crack cocaine destroying lilves if people were able to still go and buy a pound of cocaine and coca-cola was still able to use cocaine in their drink. wheres the need? and if so, so what. poeple will choose to ruin their lives if something is illegal or NOT. THIS NATION WAS FOUNDED ON FREEDOMS FOR THE POEPLE, BY THE POEPLE. Making drugs illegal, has not stopped one person from doing as they choose, but it has stopped people from being to do what our founding Fathers and God wants us to be able to do and thats have Life, Liberty and the Persuit oif Happiness. US gov has destroyed our bill of rights in many ways but the war on drugs and terrorism is the main culprit now. and that is the ONLY way those two items can be attributed to each other in a sentance. one has nothing to do with the other. Supporting drugs does NOT support terrorism unless you want to call the US government a group of terrorists. For they are the ones who took over the Taliban who had the opium trade/poppy production undercontrol and almost irradicated until the USA stepped in and now its in full, FULL production. Yep, look it up. We are the cause of the Heroin on our streets. its the biggest hypocracy Ive ever heard of in histroy of the world besides putting Jesus Christ to death on the cross. Abe Lincoln said it goes against the very essense of what the constitution means to institute a prohibition of anything in th esense to legislate morality. It isnt about that. The smoke and mirrors of this whole mess never seems to come out. Read the first three chapters of Emporer Wears no Clothes for free Online and see a WINDOW of why drugs are really illegal in US. I dont know about Canada, but im willing to heavily suspect its over the same things by the very same poeple. The uses of non-medical hemp alone would HELP BOOST our economy by HUGE numbers and they know that in Washington DC. Yes they do, they made a film in 1943 to encourage farmers to begin growing hemp called "HEMP FOR VICTORY"... AGAIN in war efforts to make .... MONEY for the war and to have useful items needed in war. like this country was Foudned on. Its no joke that G. Washington Grew Hemp. So did B Franlin and T Jefferson and MANY OTHER Founding fathers. They said it was ESSENTIAL for EVERY farmer to have at least 11 acres of HEMP growing all the time for industrial and practical uses. They did it because of the usefulness of it. PLUS they did it to get high from it. Yet OUR American government REFUSES TO ALLOW THIS NEED? They spend our tax dollars on it instead from importing it, becuase they DO BUY IT. It should not be the CHOICE of a FEW to surpress the MULTITUDE over their own freedoms of choice for marijuanna or ANY drug (if they decide to ruin their lives, they will do it anyway and HAVE), but this is what they do and most of the time, the poeple are UNaware of it. We have the rightwing vs leftwing when the main agendas from administration to administration remain the same, no matter who is in charge. Obama is carrying out Bushs policy as Bush was carrying out Clinton's policyies, who carried out Reagans main agendas, who carried out Carters etc. and on and on. Makeing drugs illegal makes the government and THEIR private corperations MUCH more money than if it were legal. This is why they want it to stay illegal and it WILL stay illegal. It conflicts the cotton industry, the soy industry, the flax seed industry, the canola seed industry, peanut butter industry, paint industry (DUPONT mainly) companies for PLASTIC products (yes you can make plastic from cannabis sativa), PAPER = Pulpwood, BIOFUEL rivaling the OIL Industry, It is the most economical and resourceful plant in the world needing less money than any other to produce to get more than any other out of in usefulness. In Medicine and textiles. We would never have to cut down another tree for any paper product if we grew hemp. The DECLARTIOIN OF INDEPENDANCE was written on HEMP, Our early BIBLES were printed on HEMP. Our clothes and the first LEVIS JEANES WERE ALL HEMP. Hemp lasts longer, therefore it rivals the clothing industry in sales. It is SOFTER than cotton. ALl our ship's sails and army's parachutes were all HEMP. Medical Science, NOT ME, has deemed cannabis, the MOST nutritional plant on the planet, the most useful medicinally-wise and our government has told us that it has NO medical value whatso ever? THEY LIE! When will you all wake up! it is not a white lie to keep us 'safe' from ourselves, it is a DARK lie to make MONEY. They KNOW about all this. Its their Stocks that would suffer, nothing else. Therefore and most of all, it rivals the Pharmecuetical companies who make money on sick people, not healthy people. if you have believed this governement (usa) about cannibis from the time it was banned, then you have NO right to speak againts cannabis becuase you have no idea of the facts. NONE. Everthing they told us was a lie. From Refer Madness BS to saying it kills braincells to saying it causes cancer to saying it is harmful. NONE of that is true. As a matter of fact there are studies NOW that have shown that it lubricates our braincells and helps them stay alive longer and we have now found possible CANCER CURES with THC. how bout that? CANCER CURES from weed. How about this... Smoking it actually helps with ASTHMA. smoking it. not eating it but smoking it. Go figure that out. Tell a dying person "NO" you cant have a plant made by God Himself who said that all that He made was good when it could possibley save their life or at best HELP them with their ills until their final day, IF THEY SO CHOOSE. This is where our country has gone. its very sad. Its not just drugs or prohibition, its everywhere now. We have LOST the Bill of Righst and everyone is BLIND to this. When it affects them one day and it will, it will be too late, but they will see that they were the idiots who allowed this to happen. Marc Emery should NOT be held accountable to the USA. and Canada is an AWFUL NATION to extradite anyone for a NON-violent crime. I can certainly see villent criminal activity, but harmless things, I cannot simply becuase the US wants to make a political statement out of him. They SEE the uprising of poeple who want to use Cannabis however they choose. It threatens them. Threatens the DEA's JOBS. the judicial system, the PRIVATE PRISON SYSTEMS that make MONEY on every inmate and 40% of them being NON-violent drug offenders---the more prisoners they have, the HIGHER thier stock rises on WAllstreet. THIS IS AMERICA? We have lost touch. our founding fathers would be in jail today as dissenters OR never would have allow this to happen in the first place. Sorry this may be long for some who cant think past two sentences, but no one seems to 'get it'.

Asthma pateint June 16, 2009 12:48 pm (Pacific time)

How about this... Smoking it actually HELPS with ASTHMA attacks. smoking it. not eating it but smoking it. Go figure that out. and it has 100's of other REAL medicinal properties. That weve been lied to about. LIED to. Im TIRED of being lied to by our governments!

newageblues June 16, 2009 10:45 am (Pacific time)

Alcohol is so much more deadly and dangerous than cannabis, there is utterly no comparison between the two. Alcohol supremacism over cannabis is nothing more than the most wildly hypocritical violence promoting bigotry. Send it to the garbage can of history where it belongs.

Ozlanthos June 11, 2009 8:03 am (Pacific time)

Despite the fact I already know the answer, I am constantly troubled by a couple of questions concerning the "war" on drugs (specifically marijuana). I wonder why it is taht with the majority of us using marijuana on a regular basis, and even more of us wanting marijuana legalized, why Congress and the Senate are so concerned with appearing "soft on drugs"???? Who are they trying to impress with their pro-prohibition stances??? If the majority of us (their constituents) want it legalized, who is left to make happy with furthering the drug war? Secondly, if all of the feds claims that marijuana has "no medical benefit" are correct, why are they trying to patent drugs utilizing "synthesized" THC and other cannabinoids??? The answer to these and other questions seems to be MONEY. Pot seems to be worth way more to them as an illegal substance than a legal one. We all KNOW that a drug you need a multi-million dollar laboratory to produce will cost 100X what a drug you need a $500/acre plot of desert to produce will cost. to me both of these answers are tantamount to "making busy work". Rather than continuing to waste money on a war no one but the prohibitionists seem to want anymore, (and trying to make more legal end-runs that only benefit a TINY minority of people at the expense of ALL OTHERS) why don't we just legalize it and divert all that energy and money to more important things (like educating our children)? -Oz

Another teen speaking out... June 11, 2009 2:39 am (Pacific time)

The kid below me is obviously a very sheltered, brainwashed child that will never amount to anything. Everything he posted is absurd, and are probably things his Mommy told him so he would never smoke. Poor kid is missin' out :D

Tim Squires June 9, 2009 5:35 am (Pacific time)

Marijuana is HANDS DOWN the greatest thing ever in the history of the world. Well, other than sex of course

govern/mental June 4, 2009 9:42 am (Pacific time)

the government is to busy with the moneys they get for there pockets from big buiss to do anything worth wile. as for pot they havent figured out how to line there own pocketds yet.or even better tobaco companys are lobbying to stop it ,besides crap heads like the DEA want all thats money so they can piss it away .

legalize it June 2, 2009 9:54 am (Pacific time)

Marijuana should be sold and taxed like cigarettes, because marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the world, and the tax money made from the marijuana could help boost the economy and get it out of this recession. The tax on cigarettes is up to two dollars per pack, and I’m sure most people would pay the two dollar tax per pack if it were marijuana. Around 34 percent (103,380,305 people) of Americans smoke marijuana regularly (Blirt). If you add two dollars for every person that smokes you have what the government would make every day ($206,760,610) on top of all the money made from cigarettes and alcohol.

yo mama June 2, 2009 9:56 am (Pacific time)

teen speeking out your talking about cigerattes

legalize it June 2, 2009 9:52 am (Pacific time)

J.Shields May 29, 2009 6:32 pm (Pacific time)

its better smokin then drinkin check the satistics out

John May 26, 2009 10:24 pm (Pacific time)

I'd like it be known, that marijuana wasn't my first "drug." LSD was and didn't get addicted... Let the record be known, that I don't have a addiction problem; haven't seen it since that time...

Logan J. May 24, 2009 4:06 pm (Pacific time)

legalize it...... and "a teen speaking out" you have been fed a bunch of BS about marijuana.. thats the biggest load of crap i ever heard.. read a book

Truth Teller May 24, 2009 3:52 pm (Pacific time)

Why should the world regulate and tax cannabis then continue the utter failure that is The War on Drugs: CANNABIS PROHIBITION FUNDS MEXICAN DRUG CARTELS who are profiting by the BILLIONS each year. CANNABIS PROHIBITION puts them in full control of distribution with a focus on young buyers while not asking for ID (and Obama says that if those BILLIONS were diverted to a system of CANNABIS REGULATION AND TAXATION wouldn’t be a good way to help the US economy? COME ON!). CANNABIS PROHIBITION is the primary cause of the large scale turf wars that are CLAIMING THE LIVES OF THOUSANDS PER YEAR, including innocent bystanders young and old and police officers. BECAUSE OF CANNABIS PROHIBITION there is WIDESPREAD CORRUPTION within law enforcement, the drug court system (including drug treatment programs) and the prison industrial complex. Sadly many politicians are addicted to the funding these establishments along with Big Pharma “donate” to them in order to continue the UTTER FAILURE that is THE WAR on (non-alcoholic, non-tobacco, non-pharmaceutical) DRUGS. Unfortunately there are many misguided, scientifically ignorant so-called “moralists” in the groups mentioned above. These sheeple still believe the “Evil Weed” propaganda spewed by Drug Warriors. They feel motivated to “do the right thing” for fear of the “sky falling”. This fear and ignorance along with the underlying knowledge of lost wages currently made possible through CANNABIS PROHIBITION promotes loyalty to CANNBIS PROHIBITION laws which are known to cause MUCH MORE HARM then cannabis use alone. BECAUSE OF CANNABIS PROHIBITION law enforcement is arresting users to the tune of 800,000 per year, criminalizing them with life long impacts for a non-violent act. Unfortunately low income intercity young African American and Hispanic men are disproportionately targeted for such abuse. That is BIGOTRY AND IT IS WRONG! Some receive prison terms that turn them from non-violent drug offenders into well educated criminals taught by the finest of the bread. And since they can’t get a good job when they get out of prison due to the record they now carry (thanks to archaic cannabis PROHIBITION punishments) they are forced to put that education to work in the streets. Cannabis PROHIBITION and its supporters are the SOLE cause of all that is mentioned above! And they say “What about the message we would be sending to our children if marijuana was legal?” I DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU BUT I’M NOT FALLING FOR THAT DECEPTIVE HYPOCRISY! CANNABIS PROHIBITION is not controlling its distribution; it is giving up ALL control of its distribution to drug cartels and their dealers that do not ask for ID. END THE UTTER FAILURE THAT IS CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! REGULATION AND TAXATION FOR REAL CONTROL!

Marion May 24, 2009 10:38 am (Pacific time)

It should be legalized.people with mental problems like bi-polar or anxiety disorders would greatly benifit from legal weed. besides have you ever heard of anyone killing someone else while they are high on it? think about it,all it does is give you munchies, make you sleepy, and Mellow you out. LEGALIZE IT

our govt blows May 23, 2009 11:55 pm (Pacific time)

"A Teen Speaking Out May 23, 2009 12:15 pm (Pacific time) I would like to know why any one would use marijuana? There are millions of harmful substances and chemical in it. It can give almost any type of cancer, heart disease, and brain damage. The drug eats away at your brain and will physically and mentally impair you. It is a drug that is physically and mentally addicting. With all of the harmful sideffects in mind why would anyone want to take it. There are so many better things you could do with your time than get hoooked on marijuana." you might be the dumbest person ive ever seen post on the internet. all of your facts you posted are wrong, and you inability to think for yourself is sickening. I hate to imagine the extent of brainwashing your schools impose on you kids nowadays.

steve May 23, 2009 8:23 pm (Pacific time)

Legalize it and treat it like alcohol - Thats all you have to do its that simple. After 6 months of being legal, the same people who smoke, will smoke. The people who don't won't. Not much will change. And I'm so sick of the Gateway Drug Argument. Alcohol is the ultimate gateway drug. Alcohol is normaly everybodys first buzz. Marijuana JUST Legalize it, regulate it, TAX IT! Marijuana! its just a flower and tabcco is the GOLDEN WEED, THE CASH CROP OF OLD TIMES(1800's) ITS THE NEW TIMES NOW MARIJUANA IS THE NEW CASH CROP year (2009)

A Teen Speaking Out May 23, 2009 12:15 pm (Pacific time)

I would like to know why any one would use marijuana? There are millions of harmful substances and chemical in it. It can give almost any type of cancer, heart disease, and brain damage. The drug eats away at your brain and will physically and mentally impair you. It is a drug that is physically and mentally addicting. With all of the harmful sideffects in mind why would anyone want to take it. There are so many better things you could do with your time than get hoooked on marijuana.

Editor: The question isn't about why anyone would do it, it is about locking up human beings for possessing a natural flower. You need to stay in school and perhaps go to a different school if you are honestly being taught that marijuana causes cancer when in fact doctors have discovered that it can be used to treat cancer. It is CROCK to imply that it causes heart disease; it does not. Brain damage? Who is giving you your information? Wake up. It doesn't eat away at anything, turn the light on kid. It isn't that you should ever use it, please don't, but you are brainwashed in ways that are almost disturbing. Finally, it is true that marijuana is or can be mentally addicting, but that's because people enjoy it and it gives them relief and they choose to use it regularly.

James E. King May 21, 2009 2:48 pm (Pacific time)

I think this speaks to the erosion of the libertarian values on which America was founded; It is sad that one of the first countries to align itself with the concepts of liberty and freedom should impose a worldwide prohibition against ANY constellation of substances. It is as ridiculous to ban the hallucinoid experiences elicited by LSD (My grampa was a biochemist on the MKULTRA project and worked extensively with LSD and concluded it was in no way harmful) as it is to prohibit the natural hallucinoid experiences of dreams, visions, or the hypnogogic images you see before falling asleep. The cannabis ban is the most blatant of the abuses of liberty and expression imposed by prohibition and its proponents. PS “Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded." -Abraham Lincoln U.S. President. Speech, 18 Dec. 1840, to Illinois House of Representatives

legalize weed! May 21, 2009 2:23 pm (Pacific time)

we could save a lot of money

WEED IS AWESOME May 21, 2009 2:22 pm (Pacific time)

LEGALIZE IT

kregz May 21, 2009 9:41 am (Pacific time)

marijuanna should be legalized, either way even if itz illegal people still do it. No matter wat people will still smoke, just some might not be as open about it as others. LEGALIZE IT

catherine May 21, 2009 9:16 am (Pacific time)

i like it. :)

dave May 21, 2009 5:38 am (Pacific time)

We should legalize it no questions asked pot is awesome it will save the U.S dollar the state of California made like 18 million dollars on taxin medical marijuana that could be double if the tax the regular smokers theres no medical issues it isn't a gateway drug it only leads the junk food.

Alisa May 17, 2009 1:07 am (Pacific time)

Ahh! For the love of... just legalize it already 0.o There is no proof that pot is at all permanently harmful to it's users health. If anything, legalizing marijuana would separate it from drugs which are actually harmful. We need to stop wasting money on a war on a drug which hurts no one. Haha, government can be so silly sometimes! P.S. I am not a weed smoker myself, just to clear that up. So I'm not biased :)

Michael G. May 14, 2009 9:40 pm (Pacific time)

Yeah i agree with audry haha Yeah legalize it tho

Mersades May 14, 2009 8:20 pm (Pacific time)

Ok if we sell weed we could get the money we lost becuase of Bush pretty fast.There is no Proof that Weed does anything bad for you. It also dosent increase cancer.I think it should be our choice to do it or not. Its their own fault for abusing drugs....It dosent have anything to do with weed being legalized.They will always abuse drugs no matter what.Whatever their fault.People are always going to smoke it rather they make it legal or not so just make it legal already.

Tyler May 14, 2009 8:03 am (Pacific time)

I agree completely with all of you. Ive been smoking for years now, and nothings wrong with it. I am completely convinced that its not bad for you, I own a vaporizer, so its not harmful to my lungs. A cop would rather deal with a stoned person than a drunk one.

Alexis May 12, 2009 4:40 pm (Pacific time)

Legalize It for the better. :)

Responsible Adult May 12, 2009 1:13 pm (Pacific time)

Legalize it and treat it like alcohol - plain and simple. After 6 months of being legal, the same people who smoke, will smoke. The people who don't won't. Not much will change. And I'm so sick of the Gateway Drug Argument. Alcohol is the ultimate gateway drug. It's most people's first buzz. And if they like it, they want more. All of my successful friends that smoke never got into coke or crack.

bill May 11, 2009 6:02 pm (Pacific time)

First you have to take the money out of it. Namely the goverment money,there are just too many people who get there money from enforcement.

kai hanners May 11, 2009 8:33 am (Pacific time)

It should be legalized if were supposedly free in america we should be allowed to smoke marijuana if we want

John Alekseyenko May 10, 2009 7:10 am (Pacific time)

In my opinion marijuana should be legalized nation wide. The government can tax it and make a high, but reasonable prices. Use the money for schools and other needs of the community. If marijuana was sold in stores; then people who smoke it want have to buy it from drug dealers/ there want be any marijuana dealers to buy from because smokers can just go to the store and buy it legally. At first there would be a lot of people smoking it, but in the long run there will be less smokers because the legalization would make it less attractable to people. I think people do illegal drugs just because there are illegal and the just a rush from breaking the law. The government would spend less money on controlling marijuana then trying to prevent it. There would be more room in jails for people that should actually be. They would spend less money on police who focus o marijuana. In conclusion, I agree with Bradford Gibbs treat like alcohol. Put and age limit, and use the same driving laws as for alcohol and it would not be easier for "kids" to obtain marijuana just because it is legal. It is easier for them to get because it is illegal and they can buy it almost anywhere.

May 10 May 10, 2009 8:11 am (Pacific time)

The above "weighted sample" claimed to be used would not provide statistically accurate results when attempting to measure citizen's opinions on this matter. The sampling should be the "universe of all voters," not a politically predisposed sample. If this sample was correct you would see immediate congressional action on legalizing. I believe for now just the states will be legislating on this matter (status quo), and the federal AG will decide if they will just ignore current federal law, which considering the intense violence on our southern border with drug smugglers, it will be interesting to see how they will deal with this matter. In Mexico and other places the drug cartels have bribed many in political power, I wonder if something similar is happening here? Lot's of money to grease the wheels, and the cartels would be out of business if drugs become leglized, even just legalizing marijuana would cut deeply into their profits.

John Alekseyenko May 10, 2009 7:08 am (Pacific time)

http://delta9thc.blog.hu May 9, 2009 9:13 am (Pacific time)

Yes legalize it and tax it! The marihuana vill a daemon, while we push it to illegal. The hemp is a medical, and not a daemon.. Peace:)

john0420 May 9, 2009 4:46 am (Pacific time)

yea marijuana can be menatally addictive, but so can video games, and computers, and baseball, and working out, and driving, and just about any other activity. Should they all be illegal to just because there addictive to people with an addictive personallity? no. and no dealers would be around after awhile, just like theres not any alcohol dealers hanging on your local street corner.

The Devils Advocate May 8, 2009 11:09 pm (Pacific time)

Look I'm all for it. But, and this is for fred evil's comment on the fact that it is easier for kids to acquire weed with it illegal. Do you really think that with the legalization of weed. That the dealers will simply disappear? It will be just as simple for a 12 year old to buy pot whether it is legal or not. Where do you think the dealers get their product from? Most I know can easily grow it. and Unless with the legalization, pot becomes cheep enough that it is no longer lucrative enough to the dealer to continue to spend the time and effort growing. It wont change anything accept the fact it is no longer illegal. And another thing, on the whole "weed is not addictive" subject. yes it is not physically addictive, but as a previous consumer, and have seen first hand, at the very least a dozen time. It dose form a mental addiction. whether you would like to admit it or not.

Mellonie H. May 8, 2009 11:08 am (Pacific time)

I completely agree with Bill C., that until all the old-school legislators are out of office, we have very little hope of legalization happening any time soon. It's true that more and more politicians are beginning to come around, which is a positive step and shows that the public's voice is being heard. I only hope legalization happens in my lifetime (I'm 56). I think this is an issue that is gaining more and more urgency as time goes on. Look at Mexico; the drug cartels are clearly controlling the country, which leads to a mass exodus of refugees into our country, creating less and less opportunity for our citizens while dramatically increasing the crime statistics. If these old-school crones can't see any other reason for legalization and regulation, these few should be enough to make any sane person stand up and take notice. . .and action.

Aubrey May 8, 2009 9:06 am (Pacific time)

If alcohol is legal, marijuana should be legal. Alcohol is more harmful in so many ways. Marijuana has many benefits.

Jesper Kristensen May 8, 2009 7:36 am (Pacific time)

Soon Portugal should also be a nation on everyone's lips. Cato recently published a whitepaper on the 2001 decriminalization of all drugs for personal use in Portugal. An all around success story that has laid rest to the usual worries that drug use will explode and treatment offers drop. The time for frightened speculation is over.

Daniel McGuire May 8, 2009 1:59 am (Pacific time)

Guess what? THC is being used to shrink cancerous tumors. This cannabinoid and possibly others causes cancer cells to eat themselves and die. (apostosis) Google "THC Cancer" and see the latest research for yourself!

Joe Wilson May 7, 2009 11:31 pm (Pacific time)

Legalize It

Steve May 7, 2009 6:28 pm (Pacific time)

US drug policy shapes the policy for much of the rest of the world. This is why I'm hoping you guys stay loud and active - form groups and shake the foundations until their lies come crumbling down. If you have never read it - go read Mr. Nice by Howard Marks. A well-to-do trafficker in Britan in the 70's, Marks has had brushes with every facet of our messed up system - from the IRA connection to bring his stuff in, to the DEA guys hungry for his blood and trying their best to destroy his life and his mind. This is a perfect tale telling of the senselessness of the failed drug war. And when we learn that he fooled the authorities for 30 years whilst smoking at least 10 joints a day - it just goes to show that any of the propaganda they spread is totally unfounded.

Scott May 7, 2009 11:02 am (Pacific time)

Unfortunately there are quite a few public polls where the results don't at all mirror what politicians are actually doing.

Bill C. May 7, 2009 9:40 am (Pacific time)

If we see a few more polls come out showing majority support for marijuana we just might see it legalized in a few years. It will certainly change the debate and get more politicians suggesting legalization. That will increase popular support more and eventually politicians will feel like they have to do what voters want or face political consequences. One thing that makes me not so optimistic about it happening in the next few years is that our lawmakers are so old. The average age in the Senate is 63 and in the Congress it's 57. Those with the most power tend to a good bit older than the average. More than a quarter of Senators are over 70 and it's these old guys that head up the committees and set the agenda and the party line. These law makers that grew up before marijuana became popular tend to be strongly opposed to legalization. Even if the majority of voters are for legalization I think we're going to have to see most of these old law makers replaced by younger people before our legislative bodies will vote for legalization. That will take several years.

Antonio Morales May 7, 2009 8:51 am (Pacific time)

I believe that marijuana should be leagal. Im doing a research right now in my school about trying to lower drug law offences and leagalize marijuana. We are paying to much money for non-violent offenders to stay in prison. Most dealers, buyers, and users are faceing almost life in prison for these harsh laws.

MagickMuffin May 7, 2009 7:39 am (Pacific time)

Have you seen ALL the warnings on the "legal" drugs commercials?.?.? Cannabis is definitely less harmful than ALL the drugs we see advertised in the media. It is time to end prohibition on Cannabis and realize that the government has been using propaganda for over 80 years when it comes to Cannabis. God doesn't make mistakes ;=D

Joe May 7, 2009 7:11 am (Pacific time)

I think it should be legalized, sure they say that it is a gateway drug and it leads to other drugs. That may be true but people usually turn to other drugs because they cant find marijuana, if it was legalized it wouldn't be a problem. There are many ways this could be good, like for instance less criminal charges for the possession and growth of the plant. This would save so much money and if the government sold it and taxed it they would make even more money. Here's another thing, you made alcohol legal and that does more damage to you then marijuana. You don't hear about people getting hurt in car accidents when the driver is under the influence of marijuana, only with alcohol. I understand the people that don't want it legal because of the their children, I can respect that. I wouldn't want my children to either until they were at a respectful age where they could decide for themselves. That's why there should be an age limit to purchase it like alcohol and cigarettes.

Mark montgomery May 7, 2009 3:14 am (Pacific time)

Pot should be legal. Mexico just legalized possession of small amounts of all drugs. Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001 and their experience has been positive. Now if you are caught with a 10 day supply of your drug or less you face an administrative court, not a criminal court, but in practice they are just not arresting people. A group of 10,000 very serious policemen, prosecutors, attorneys and citizens have formed a group to legalize ALL drugs, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (http://leap.cc ) They see what happened when we legalized alcohol in 1932 as a good example of how drug legalization would work. This foolish war on drugs has lasted 37 years and cost us over a TRILLION dollars and we are not an inch closer to stopping drugs. How many millions of Americans are we going to lock up in prison for decades? Mark Montgomery boboberg@nyc.rr.com

Stephen Ray May 7, 2009 12:36 am (Pacific time)

Tonight there was a debate on Anderson Cooper 360 about making pot legal. The main argument against legalization seemed to be violence which doesnt really make sense to me. He said something to the effect of a large amount of people arrested tested positive for pot. I am assuming he meant violent arrests. Of course they test positive.. test them for alcohol.. test them for cigarettes.. you will get the same results. No matter weather it is legal or not the violent offenders dont tend to follow any laws. There are also people that still break the law smoking pot but are an active non violent member of society which far outnumber the violent. Then finally add the number of non violent law abiding citizens that would smoke if it was legal and not become violent.. have you ever seen someone high? and compare them to someone drunk? who is more prone to violence? its self explainatory I dont even need to answer. Now once all the numbers are together you have the same percentage of violent offenders as you do now. But with it illegal a very large majority of the pot purchased (20million Americans?)comes from drug cartels that inflict more violence than we could ever ask for. Take away their lifeline and take away their life. We focus so much on the war against pot and not focus on the war against actual addictive drugs that will kill you in multiple ways and also fund drug cartels. This is just the tip of the ice burg. Thankfully the majority of America is waking up and a recent poll 52% of us are FOR legalizing pot. =)

Responsible Adult May 6, 2009 10:30 pm (Pacific time)

Treat it like alcohol, plain and simple. BTW, I hate the pot is a gateway drug deal. Alcohol is the ultimate gateway drug... None of my many adult friends that smoke ever got into hard drugs like coke.

Daniel Johnson May 6, 2009 8:10 pm (Pacific time)

California gov Arnold Schwarzenneger says it's time to debate legalizing marijuana. The need for tax dollars may finally drive this issue. Google Schwarzenneger marijuana for the story

The cookie maker May 6, 2009 7:18 pm (Pacific time)

Legalize it, the more who continue to come out and show support the sooner we can end the wrongful imprisonment and fining of inoscent people.

Greenbud May 6, 2009 2:48 pm (Pacific time)

As a medical marijuana patient in California, I hope the rest of the country realizes the wisdom of ending prohibition.

Bradford Gibbs May 6, 2009 5:08 pm (Pacific time)

If Marijuana would be leagalized there needs to be laws to control it just like with alcohol. reasons why marijuana could be legalized: 1. you cant poison urself to the point of death with THC like you could with alcohol and 2. there would be jobs for growing, medicinal producers, trafficking and accessories. what i think the problem is would have to be the large number of US citizens think of the drug as this addictive (but has no physical dependency) and violent type drug when its not the drug but the crime that it produces because of its illegal situation. what happened with prohibition of alcohol? i bealive crime whent up! am i wrong?

Will S. May 6, 2009 5:07 pm (Pacific time)

Great article. It seems that the American people are waking up. We're tired of being lied to, of being taken advantage of, and of having our liberties stripped, while being told what's "good" for us. We are not children.

Fred Evil May 6, 2009 4:55 pm (Pacific time)

Legalize it, regulate it, TAX IT! It's not utterly harmless, but neither is it as dangerous as the DEA, ONDCP and assorted other narco-nazi's would have you believe. It's less physically addictive than nicotine, and doesn't cause lung cancer or COPD (although it can SLIGHTLY aggravate COPD if you smoke ciagrettes). Far more societal harm is caused by illegal farming (and improper production), gang wars, arrests, imprisonments and familial destruction instigated by the 'War on Drugs' itself, than would be caused by freely letting Americans choose what they put in their bodies. It is FAR more expensive to pursue users and cartels, and spend BILLIONS a year to warehouse NON-VIOLENT users, than it is to regulate and tax an agricultural industry, and HELP those who ABUSE the drugs available to them. Prohibition failed a century ago, and it's failing today! In fact it's EASIER for youth to acquire drugs now than if it were legalized, because the black market doesn't check ID! And never will. After forty years of this FAILED 'War on Drugs' they are easier to find, and more potent than ever, just ask your kids! The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, yet expecting a different result, sounds familiar doesn't it? When will the narco-nazis recognize the futility of spending OUR money on THEIR 'War'? Only when we tell them ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

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New Poll: 52% Say Marijuana Should Be Legal, Taxed, Regulated

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