--- Deus_Abscondis

What problems are you referring to? I imagine most of them are the same old myths - with variations. The only harm associated with cannabis is some minor throat irritation. Perhaps bronchitis for very heavy consumers. Even this small problem is eliminated by cooking with it, in beverage form, or, probably most effectively with vaporization.

Trying to argue over consumption by children is a straw man argument. NO ONE in reform is suggesting that children be allowed to smoke pot - any more than they should drink alcohol. There is no significant problem with young adults.

The brain is always changing. What makes you think the change is bad?

Psychosis? I assume you are referring to the near infinitessimel proportion of the population that are latent schizophrenics. Who ever said marijuana is for everybody? Some people die if they eat anything made from peanuts. Death is much worse than a schizophrenic episode, and we don't ban peanuts. Besides, I have heard that some schizophrenics successfully treat their symptoms with marijuana. The hysteria over this is just warmed-over Reefer Madness.

Depression is a myth. And you use the old prohibitionist "subtle and insidious" effects. That's what they use when they can't nail down any real harms. U.S. DEA Administrative Law Judge, Francis Young conducted a long and thorough investigation of possible harms and concluded, "Marijuana is the safest therapuetically active substance known to man."

Who denied anyone had an adverse reaction? Like I said. It's not for everybody. That doesn't mean you should put most people in jail for the problem of a very few. That's nonsense.

--- "So what should be done?"

Legalize and regulate it like alcohol, of course. And let adults determine what risks they will take. Prohibitionists want to make adults children of the government.

--- "Young males and cars being a good example."

Yes it is. There is a slight impairment with marijuana - as opposed to alcohol. But the funny thing is, people who have smoked pot OVER COMPENSATE for their light impairment by driving slower and more cautiously. Some studies have shown they have fewer accidents than straight drivers.

The recent, as well as the large government studies over the decades show there are no significant problems for the vast majority of people.

--- "I for one wish that the evidence that is available now was available when I first started using cannabis."

Are you implying you have been harmed by cannabis? If so, what happened? Marijuana should be taxed and regulated like alcohol - even though it isn't near as harmful as alcohol.

I thought "It's Just A Plant" was great. I bought one and it was a great aid in discussing the subject with my son.

So much sense here, and sadly so little chance that anything will ever change.

The key to minimizing the harm from drug use is to educate users so that they choose not to use, or choose to use in a less harmful way. Culture/society is the key - this is why less people use marijauna in Holland (where its legal) than in America, where the laws are severe.

Unfortunately, exactly the opposite is achieved by stupid scare campaigns, which people eventually realise are untrue and disregard completely as government propaganda. Tell people the truth, regulate the availability of these substances, keep severe penalties for anyone who supplies drugs (including alcohol and tobbacco) to children, and we would have a lot less problems. For the people who do still have problems, use the extra tax money raised to help them get their lives back on track before they screw up too badly.

Do I believe there should be no controls on the cannabis plant?

I believe there should be age restrictions in place, similar to alcohol, but with legality of consumption beginning at 21 years of age.

I do believe that there should be an instant and total removal of all criminal sanctions for cannabis use and or possession, except where supply to children is concerned.

I believe the monopoly on Australia’s recreational mind altering substances market has been held too long by the retail alcohol trade, an industry with proven disregard for the well-being of the people.

Deus_Abscondis,

What is it in particular you found so “crap” about the book “It’s just a plant”?

In my opinion, marijuana is rubbish. It is by far the most unpleasant drug I've ever had the misfortune to imbibe, with the exception of ketamine. It stifles creativity, fosters paranoia, and makes people participate in drum circles and hacky sack (which is in itself a compelling argument for its continued criminalisation). But the fact is, if you're prone to addiction for whatever reason, you are going to mess yourself up on something, and marijuana's widespread availability means it gets unfairly demonised. Most users I know enjoy the occasional joint like most people enjoy the occasional glass of wine, and exhibit no ill-effects whatsoever. So I'm for decriminalisation and education, but please kids, don't do dope. Do ecstacy instead.

--- KRS 1

--- "It stifles creativity,"

Funny. First I've heard that one. Most musicians, artists, etc. will testify to the contrary. Like these folks:

http://www.marijuana-uses.com/read.html

--- "if you're prone to addiction for whatever reason, you are going to mess yourself up on something,"

Addiction is not a disease looking for a substance. It is a function of addictive drugs, which marijuana isn't - as your friends demonstrate.