What are the Best reasons/arguments to keep marijuana illegal?

National Review ^ | July 29, 2008 | me_a_republic

[me_a_republican]

Dear fellow forum members,

What are the best reasons or arguments you can think of to keep marijuana illegal?

It would really really help to if you can reply only after reading http://www.nationalreview.com/12feb96/drug.html .

Thank you.

[Old Sarge]

Post and run - a drive-by.

Call the lightning yet?

[Darksheare]

“me_a_republican”

Laagh smack tree with stick.

[Lost Dutchman]

[SmithL]

A newbie with a vanity?

When did that become allowed?

[vox_freedom]

Are you sure your name isn't me_a_troll?

[Darksheare]

And I can think of one off the top of my head.
Democratic Underground.

[vox_freedom]

potheads are stupid

//that!

[Poser]

IB4TZ?

[Darksheare]

The invisible elves are after you!

[vox_freedom]

Marijuana isn't just about "plants" and "freedom." It has some very serious psychological effects and societal consequences upon people -- especially those in the formative years between 18 and 25, and heightened concern among those who are younger.

And it isn't just about "evil" government taking away Libertarian freedoms or your attempt to equate marijuana with alcohol. Take a look where it is relatively cheap and its possession is not criminalized. Jamaica comes to mind.

[sarasota]

Love the new kitty!

[mysterio]

Marijuana isn't just about "plants" and "freedom."

Sure it is. Freedom means that other people might make choices you don't like. I still like freedom.

It has some very serious psychological effects and societal consequences upon people -- especially those in the formative years between 18 and 25, and heightened concern among those who are younger.

So does ritalin. So do alcohol and tobacco, even more so than marijuana.

Do you approve of alcohol being legal?

your attempt to equate marijuana with alcohol.

Not at all. I think alcohol is much more dangerous than marijuana.

But I'm an adult, and I choose when to consume alcohol. I don't support kicking down the doors of beer drinkers and shooting their dogs. I'm sorry that you support doing that to marijuana users.

[Soliton]

//that!

be careful. They're everywhere!

[vox_freedom]

You are in denial. Using arguments such as marijuana is only has harmful as ritalin and alcohol and tobacco are rationalizations, not a defense of adverse health effects of marijuana, the drug.
_________________________

Harmful Effects of Marijuana

* The harmful effects of marijuana on the Brain and Central Nervous System
o Impaired thinking, mood, memory, and coordination
+ Marijuana (THC) is an extremely powerful and pleasurable intoxicant. It affects, alters, and damages brain cells controlling thinking, emotion, pleasure, coordination, mood and memory. The pituitary gland is also damaged which regulates hunger, thirst, blood pressure, sexual behavior, and release of sex hormones.
+ Clogged synapses, brain damage and addiction
+ Marijuana accumulates in the microscopic spaces between nerve cells in the brain called “synapses.” This clogging interferes by slowing and impairing transfer critical information.
+ Long term use causes the brain to stop production of brain chemicals necessary to “feel good” - a negative feedback condition. And, the user becomes chemically addicted to marijuana.
o The harmful effects of marijuana on the Heart
+ Speeds up heartbeat as much as 50%, increases blood pressure, and poses great risk to those with hypertension and heart disease.
o The harmful effects of marijuana on the Endocrine System
+ Marijuana damages the network of glands, organs, and hormones involved in growth and development, energy levels, and reproduction.
+ Organs and glands affected:
# pituitary gland
# thyroid gland
# stomach
# duodenum
# pancreas
# adrenal glands
# testis
o The harmful effects of marijuana on the Reproductive System males and females
+ Marijuana use can decrease and degenerate sperm, sperm count, movement, and cause lowered sex drive. Females can have egg damage, suppression of ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and alteration of hormone levels.
+ Regular use during pregnancy can lower birth weight and cause abnormalities similar to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (small head, irritability, poor growth and development.
+ Can destroy the number of chromosomes, resulting in cell abnormalities and impaired function.
o Other affects on the central nervous system
+ distortions of perceptions, thinking and reality
+ Difficulty in forming concepts and thoughts
+ Poor concentration
+ Mental confusion
+ Loss of motivation
+ Wide mood swings
+ Aggression and hostility
+ Depression, anxiety and paranoia
o The harmful effects of marijuana on the Eyes
+ Sleep looking, blood-shot eyes with dilated pupils.
o The harmful effects of marijuana on the Throat
+ Irritates membranes of the esophagus; increases chance of developing cancer of larynx and esophagus.
o The harmful effects of marijuana on the Lungs
+ Significant damage and destruction of the air sacs of the lungs, reducing the lungs ability to bring oxygen and remove carbon dioxide - Emphysema.
+ Causes bronchial tubes to be inflamed, thickened and to produce more mucus; resulting in narrowing of the air passages - Chronic Bronchitis.
+ Marijuana smoke has twice as much “tar” as cigarette smoke and significantly increases chance of lung cancer, inflammation and infection.

[jmc813]

It has some very serious psychological effects and societal consequences upon people

It must be nice to accept everything the government feeds you. Some of you people make me sigh softly and shake my head.

[jmc813]

be careful. They're everywhere!

Yeah. The fact that you anti-pot people are in a small minority on the world's premier conservative forum should tall you something.

[vox_freedom]

be careful. They're everywhere!

[jmc813]

You forgot the part about them there coloreds sleeping with the white wimmin.

[vox_freedom]

So you're calling me a racist?

Are you a jerk or do you just play one on FR?

[Darksheare]

It is Bizarro!