Marijuana Legalised in WA

[Matthew]

Legalizing Marijuana: Washington Law Goes Into Effect, Allowing Recreational Use Of Drug

SEATTLE — The crowds of happy people lighting joints under Seattle's Space Needle early Thursday morning with nary a police officer in sight bespoke the new reality: Marijuana is legal under Washington state law.
...A few dozen people gathered on a sidewalk outside the north Seattle headquarters of the annual Hempfest celebration and did the same, offering joints to reporters and blowing smoke into television news cameras. "I feel like a kid in a candy store!" shouted Hempfest volunteer Darby Hageman.

For full article go to:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/0 ... 49238.html

[StephenS]

So Washington state has legalised people stupefying themselves and risking both their health, and in the case of drivers, the health and well being of others. Particularly it concerns me that young people's developing brains may be exposed to damage and the risk of wacky baccy induced psychosis. For me the issue is not simply a health or social concern but a moral one.

[Maria]

So Washington state has legalised people stupefying themselves and risking both their health, and in the case of drivers, the health and well being of others. Particularly it concerns me that young people's developing brains may be exposed to damage and the risk of wacky baccy induced psychosis. For me the issue is not simply a health or social concern but a moral one.

I agree.

Notice how the media does not mention the number of children and adults who can have asthma attacks and even die if someone were to smoke marijuana or tobacco. People who suffer from Buerger's Disease can suffer a fatal aneurysm if they are exposed to tobacco or marijuana smoke.

[Matthew]

http://www.theweek.co.uk/health-science ... ermanently

above article reports that young cannabis users suffer a permanant (irreversible) loss of 8 IQ points.
So, as you both agree, there are serious ethical concerns about the media and the government's stance on this issue.

[StephenS]

Sadly this is a 'cause' espoused by many populist politicians and celebrities and are aided by those who promote something euphemistically referred to as 'harm reduction' in drug policy. I shall never forget the numbers of youngsters damaged by this harmless drug, particularly as it is heavily smoked in my locale. Add to the problem the promotion of stronger and stronger strains and the issue becomes more concerning.

As to smoking it, any substance smoked is very harmful to the body but this counts for nought among the supporters of wacky baccy and all it's works. Alcohol is often referred to any debate on this subject. Alcohol too is very problematic unless used responsibly, when it can have real benefits. And I write as one who consumes maybe three or four units of alcohol a year.

[Matthew]

Indeed, alcohol is not a problem as long as it is used responsibly. This is not true of weed. It it has much more tar than regular tobacco and besides that damage it also destroys brain cells. Alcohol does no damage whatever to the body granted one uses it sparingly.