Could dope help the economy?

Cleaver

VfM4meplse wrote: »

In my draconian view tobacco should be reserved for the purpose of extracting medicinal nicotine. It's far too late to criminilise it - even if it wasn't such a moneyspinner for the govt there are ethical implications to branding a large sector of the community as criminals just because they are addicted to the evil weed.

I completely agree wth Liam Donaldsons stance on alcohol, it should be priced out of the reach of those least likely to drink responsibly. Anyone who works in A&E can tell you that a very high proprtion of those treated are there as the result of alcohol, even if they haven't been drinking themselves. (I am a very moderate drinker).

Those that argue for legislating drugs are entitled to an opinion, where this is unsupported by any scientific rigour it remains just that - unvalidated opinion.

Thanks for your reply.

Can't say I agree about alcohol. I used to work in an A&E department and did Friday and Saturday night shifts every now and again. Obviously you're correct that a high percentage of the people were there as a direct or indirect result of alcohol. But I feel quite strongly (and did so when this was in the media a few weeks ago) that increasing alcohol prices will have absolutely no difference whatsoever. The people we used to see would think nothing of spending £50, £60, £70+ on an average night out. Half of their weeks wages / dole money would be saved for it and the price of a beer / vodka / wine makes no difference to most people.

mr.broderick

chopperharris wrote: »

Some might not like to hear the ideas of people on this matter.

I am all for it , how about testing in scotland first just like poll taxes?

I drink and smoke , both are harmful yet legal and create a stream of revenue more than the expenditure on its negatives.I dont smoke dope , not through choice but because firstly its illegal and secondly I dont want to be around junkies and drug dealers.

Benefit-The savings being that dope heads will move to scotland , less dopeheads in the rest of the uk in theory means less crime there.... bonus and your rid of scumbags.

Benefit-It removes the court costs and police time freeing them up to police our streets more than using a pen and paper.

Benefit-Those with medical conditions that illegally self medicate with it will no longer be considered criminals.

Benefit-Reduced healthcare bill for prescription opiates , happier cancer patients with less side effects and weight gain.

Benefit-Added tourism.

Benefit-Removing the first rung of the ladder from drug dealers.

Benefit-Taxation akin to smoking , which would still be cheaper than buying from a dealer.Would bring billions to the coffers.

Benefit-Reduction in alcohol use and abuse , potentially.

I reckon the savings and cuts could easilly amount to 12 billion a year....more if those that dont do it today are only because of criminaltiy.

I can only see three arguable negatives here.Please feel free to add more.

Negs-Link between mental illness and long term use.Its no different to the drink and tobacco correlation results with mental illness.

Negs-A nation of non agressive zombies , consuming food in large quantities , sitting watching tv and too laid back to care what is going on around them...wait a minute this could actually be a benefit.Millions are doing that anyway without any dope apart from regular doses of soaps.

Negs-Gateway drug.I dont think it is really if its readilly available and away from drug dealers.

Thanks

Can I just tell you I came home to my parents house once stoned beyond belief. I entered the kitchen took out a large jar of pickles and went on to eat every single one. If either of my parents would have come down stairs at that point i would have had to confess everything (hammered)

Cleaver

mr.broderick wrote: »

Can I just tell you I came home to my parents house once stoned beyond belief. I entered the kitchen took out a large jar of pickles and went on to eat every single one. If either of my parents would have come down stairs at that point i would have had to confess everything (hammered)

I'm not sure if that's a pro-drugs or anti-drugs story. Pro, I think.

mewbie_2

mr.broderick wrote: »

Hippy hippy shake stuff

I recall playing chess with a friend. After a particularly long pause we realised we had both forgotten whose move it was.

I know, I know - it's probably the least exciting anecdote ever, but maybe that's the beauty of some fairly harmless weed.

I could tell you other stories far less 'relaxed' about my alchohol consumption.

tomterm8

Cleaver wrote: »

I'm not sure if that's a pro-drugs or anti-drugs story. Pro, I think.

Given the smell the next day, I'm plopping for anti.


I am really not cut out for the weed. The only time I tried it I spent ages giggling, then went quiet and anti-social. Very unpleasant, really, not cool at all.

mewbie_2

Perhaps Mr. B and I should open up a Stoner's Corner thread on the Old Style board? Baking with hash, and pickles a la carte. That sort of thing.

mr.broderick

tomterm8 wrote: »

Given the smell the next day, I'm plopping for anti.


I am really not cut out for the weed. The only time I tried it I spent ages giggling, then went quiet and anti-social. Very unpleasant, really, not cool at all.

That is nothing to do with the herb, you may have had underlying issues at the time.

mambury

amcluesent wrote: »

I shall be keeping a look out at the offy for this!

Best of it is...........its made by monks in Devon!!!

oldMcDonald

mewbie wrote: »

Perhaps Mr. B and I should open up a Stoner's Corner thread on the Old Style board? Baking with hash, and pickles a la carte. That sort of thing.

Put the idea forward - you never know. You both would have to be the mods, though.

Actually, as Mr.B claims Mewbie is his sock puppet, that would give Mr.B some power. I think in that situation he may be dangerous.

mr.broderick

mewbie wrote: »

Perhaps Mr. B and I should open up a Stoner's Corner thread on the Old Style board? Baking with hash, and pickles a la carte. That sort of thing.

I used to worship the weed some years back. My friends and I introduced cannabis etiquette. When it was my turn to roll a spliff and take 1st tokes i would always load the resin at the bottom, greedy i know but i was young. We would play sensible soccer all night. Believe me when i tell you after 12 months of this routine i could have beaten anyone in the world at sensie soccer, i was unbeatable.