So when is weed going to be legalized?

[Zack]

I just thought I would start up a light conversation on marijuana and why it isn't legal nationwide amongst all the raging debates on health care reform, socialism (communism?) and gang rape.

I personally believe it isn't legal because the government can't tax it. I have not researched this nor is saying that has any weight which is why I turn to you all for opinions and answers. Hell, I go to you all to read Lost spoilers. Might as well go to you about politics as well.

[Lostviking]

Because grain producers, distillers, and bottlers are to big to fail?

Because cotton producers were tired of losing to hemp producers?

Because some people like to regulate everybody else from having fun.

Because the auto industry wouldn't have to replace as many cars as they currently do from drunk driving?

I don't know.

[Jack T Kirk]

Hopefully never.

I believe that America can produce excellence. We don't need to promote a drug that enables young people to demotivate themselves.

[Lostviking]

Originally Posted by John Locke Picard

Hopefully never.

I believe that America can produce excellence. We don't need to promote a drug that enables young people to demotivate themselves.

But its ok to get drunk.

[Mr Mo]

Originally Posted by Zack

I just thought I would start up a light conversation on marijuana and why it isn't legal nationwide [...] I personally believe it isn't legal because the government can't tax it. I have not researched this nor is saying that has any weight which is why I turn to you all for opinions and answers.

First off, there's absolutely no reason why marijuana couldn't be taxed. People try to smuggle stuff without paying tariffs, taxes, and duties all the time, and marijuana importers/exporters are already adept smugglers BUT when they smuggle it, there is always a chance of losing an entire shipment. IF they could buy affordable tax stamps instead, they could make more money and charge less.

To answer the question in your title, i'll need a better idea of what you mean by, "Legalized." In some places, marijuana is already thoroughly legal and taxed regularly. In other places, some here in the US, marijuana possession and/or use is no longer a crime. It's a non-moving violation; a parking ticket. But cultivation remains illegal because...

Originally Posted by Lostviking

Because grain producers, distillers, and bottlers are to big to fail?

Because cotton producers were tired of losing to hemp producers?

Because some people like to regulate everybody else from having fun.

Because the auto industry wouldn't have to replace as many cars as they currently do from drunk driving?

BINGO, buddy! Don't forget the lumber industry, too! Domestic hemp production would eliminate domestic paper logging in less than ten years. Also, law enforcement would probably be expected to do a lot more unenjoyable work like going after real organized crime.

[Liz]

Originally Posted by John Locke Picard

Hopefully never.

I believe that America can produce excellence. We don't need to promote a drug that enables young people to demotivate themselves.

Making something legal is not the same as promoting it.

[Mr Mo]

Yeah, the US culture already promotes marijuana, legal or not.

[vonnegut]

Originally Posted by Zack

I personally believe it isn't legal because the government can't tax it.

They absolutely can tax it, and should.

Originally Posted by John Locke Picard

Hopefully never.

I believe that America can produce excellence. We don't need to promote a drug that enables young people to demotivate themselves.

Originally Posted by Lostviking

But its ok to get drunk.

Ain't it great?

[wickedsweet]

I think some one could really use a hit

[vonnegut]

Well, it's more of the same silly "I don't like it. Let's make it illegal!" mindset.