If Marijuana Is Legal, Will Addiction Rise?

The New York Times ^ | July 20, 2009 | The Editors

[stuartcr]

Can’t people grow their own tobacco and brew alcoholic beverages themselves, now? Why would this be different?

[Jonny foreigner]

btw. it´s legal in the netherlands since years and there are no reports that this had any influence on “drug addiction” in general. the only factor is that amsterdam is crowded with people of other EU countries who drive to the city to legal consume it :-) but if it would be legal anywhere this would stop too.

[stuartcr]

It doesn’t have to be smoked, does it?

[stuartcr]

Why aren’t the millions of current pot smokers, doing that now?

[stuartcr]

How about those that smoke celery just on weekends?

[Star Traveler]

You said — If legalized, I think you would see stronger marijuana come out to get people really addicted to it. It’s also called a gateway drug for a reason.

—

Yep..., I’ve seen enough dumbos smoking weed and getting nothing done in their lives to know what a wreck this country would be in (more so than even now...).

And..., on top of that, you’ve got a group of FReepers wanting to smoke up a storm, too... LOL...

[stuartcr]

I think there are a lot of users, that aren’t like that at all.

[The Louiswu]

"It doesn’t have to be smoked, does it?"

No, it can be eaten. Not quite as effective as smoking, but it works. Check out what the Medical Mary Jane places in CA offer now.

[Star Traveler]

You said — They would be unemployed and living in your basement.

—

Exactly right! LOL...

[jrg]

Can’t wait, they will be talking on the phone, driving AND high! So much fun with these idiots out there

And that is different from your typical driver with an Obama sticker on their car how???

[stuartcr]

You consider alcohol evil?

[ChrisInAR]

Marijuana isn't physically addictive. I can go w/o smoking it for long periods of time & it never bothers me one bit. I oftentimes go w/o smoking it simply because I want to. If the supply in my area happens to be low, I say "So what?". It's no big deal. Out of all of the people I have smoked w/ over the last 3+ decades, I have yet to meet ANYONE that has ever craved marijuana or said that they can't do their daily business w/o it. Not one.

[Star Traveler]

You said — Marijuana is not physically addictive.

—

It makes people *dumber than dirt*.... no..., for real!

[TSgt]

How about those that smoke celery just on weekends?

I would make an exception for them if they donated to FreeRepublic. ;)

[Nevski]

“You forgot the /borderline insane sarc tag...”

That’s OK. The facts are all I need.

[Star Traveler]

You said — I think most people know that on the whole, retards smoke dope.

—

Yes, indeed. There might be an argument about whether you have to be a retard first to smoke weed, or smoking weed makes you a retard, but I say that this argument is irrelevant.

All you need to know is that someone *is a retard* for smoking weed....

[Star Traveler]

You said — Just legalize it, regulate it, tax it and lets stop all the hypocrisy.

—

Ummmm..., I’m not for making *more retards* in this country.... LOL...

[stuartcr]

That would eliminate the smoking related problems, I would think.

[Nevski]

“Why aren’t the millions of current pot smokers, doing that now?”

Don’t confuse them with the facts.

[EEDUDE]

Marijuana is addictive in the same sense that sports gambling is addictive. Read up and drop your prejudices.

Alcohol, well that’s another story. It kills. A lot.