DEA Destroys $1 Billion In Marijuana Crops
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has destroyed more than $1 billion worth of marijuana crops since July 1, 2012. While many other types of crops around the United States have been destroyed due to drought, the cannabis industry is still buzzing along, specifically in state forests and national parks throughout California, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Drug agents dug up more than 578,000 cannabis plants in the Western US in just two short months while arresting 14 people.
The plants are estimated to be worth upwards of $1 billion and more than 80 percent of that value was found in California where the debate over legalizing marijuana continues to rage on.
The justice department also notes that the marijuana fields left more than just pot to clean up, officials also pulled:
“Huge amounts of trash, miles of irrigation line, and many pounds of fertilizer and pesticides were removed from grow sites on public lands.”
During large marijuana operations, officials often turn their attention towards the “environmental impact” of growing marijuana in an attempt to take the spotlight off the legalization issue.
According to the statement national and state parks continue to feel:
” … the effects of illegal marijuana … long after the crop is harvested. Marijuana growers remove natural vegetation to make room for the marijuana. They cut down trees to allow sunlight into the site, and they divert streams from their natural path to irrigate the land.”
At least 96 marijuana fields were cited as destroyed in the report, although that number may have been higher.
The environmental impact of marijuana could be lightened in authorities would finally legalize and monitor the crops rather than forcing “criminals” into hiding.
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Aug 22, 2012
are they going to chase every pot plant down? it's a weed. it grows in the national forests without grows. funds being wasted on destroying pot grows… sad. that should be made illegal! good thing the land heals itself over time. those wasted hours and funds are the real problem.
Aug 23, 2012
The tax benefits of legalizing would be astronomical as would the savings!
Aug 23, 2012
yes, and then slap all those vice taxes on it and make it cost more than cigarettes!
Aug 23, 2012
if its legalized, look at the funds it would bring in for each state, other thatn that of fineing people for having it. it could be sold in packs as cigarettes are.
Aug 23, 2012
POT should be legalized, you have a bigger problem with alcohol, and Doctors. Gee How many have been addicted to pain killers? How many are OD'S? The biggest drug in schools now is heroin! Wake up and go after what is truely the problem! B
Aug 23, 2012
This has less medical impact on the brain and body than does alcohol and tobacco
Aug 23, 2012
Yes should be legalized alcohol is 10x worse
Aug 23, 2012
yes legalize it and prostitution! the government would create so much tax revenue, we would be out of debt. people are going to do it whether its legal or not, and in the case of prostitution, its been around since the beginning of time, and if it was legal, it would be monitored and cut down on the amount of stds, as dr visits should be required!
Aug 23, 2012
It's the 21 st century people, rock on weed (from John) I think they need to worry about all these prescription drugs and crack instead of wasting money and manpower on something they could make money off of!
Aug 23, 2012
Terrible!!!
Aug 23, 2012
And then they burn it all to boot… Save the plants, compress them and use it for whatever… Legalize.
Aug 23, 2012
And then they burn it all to boot… Save the plants, compress them and use it for whatever… Legalize.
Aug 23, 2012
Why not!we as a nation have bigger problems
Aug 23, 2012
I think they should and tax it. Maybe help with crime and economy……Can't hurt alcohol is much worse…
Aug 23, 2012
vise taxes? this is something that is needed for medical use! I am not a "pothead" but after spending more than I can afford on "medication" going through the neurologist, the only thing that actually helps is marijuana, used properly it is a very effective pain drug for migraines and many other pain issues and even used for cancer patients! This needs to be made into a "medical" legalized drug! I cant afford to pay the outrageous cost of buying it illegally and I dont smoke cigarettes but to put it in the same tax category if disgusting when people need it for medical reasons! This isnt a "lets get high" party you know. Its lets help people who need it medically and not make them pay outrageous prices for it!
Aug 23, 2012
Yes it's a natural medical plant & the native americans also used this in their medicine bags….they didn't carry bottles of booze or man made pills…..GET A CLUE…Vote all states to have legal pot just as all states have legal liquor laws.
Aug 23, 2012
Yes. You can't legislate morality or common sense. You can and should regulate it.
Aug 23, 2012
I have friends who could destroy that much..Burning a little at a time…
Aug 23, 2012
If they allowed it for medicinal uses, monitor it like they do in Colorado. It will help states get out of dept., and help cancer patients, also folks suffering from AIDS etc.
Aug 23, 2012
think of the billions they missed and any slack in trade, raises the cost which leads to violence.
Aug 23, 2012
In five years 47,800 people died in drug violence in Mexico, not including 2012. The violence of our drug war is another absurd Govt policy.
Aug 23, 2012
migraines? What about http://www.advil.com/advil-migraine
Aug 23, 2012
Yes. Alcohol causes many more problems.
Aug 23, 2012
I have been on Pain Meds for YEARS…back in 1999 while living in Cali..the doc's put me on Oxicontin..& Morphine, which I became ADDICTED to…when I realized THAT I weinned myselff OFF of those..but the pain is Still there & NOTHING the doc's give me really helps…when I can smoke 2 or 3 hits off a pipe w/Pot & the pain eases Up…COME ON NOW…I don't go driving after that…& It helps me sleep,..NO SIDE EFFECTS like the Pain Meds the Docs prescribe for ya…IT NEEDS TO BE LEGALIZED! NOW!
Aug 23, 2012
look how many drug cartells would be pissed.an broke
Aug 23, 2012
The fight is a waste of resources that could be used to do something useful instead of tracking down marijuana users and distributors which seems to be the easiest target to make the DEA look good in the eyes of the conservative establishment. Lets stop all this crazy crap, legalize it and tax it, it would be one less thing the drug cartel would be able to use as a tool to infiltrate our country and kill innocent people. Not to mention all the innocent people incarcerated for marijuana.
Aug 23, 2012
It is God's NATURAL antidepressant and if everyone in the world would smoke a joint at the same time, there would be world peace for at least 2 and half hours. It is safer than alcohol. I haven't heard of anybody OD ing on Pot but plenty of people have died of OD ing on Alcohol.
Aug 23, 2012
Just legalize it!
Aug 23, 2012
I absolutely agree if you really think about it. legalizing it may bring our country out of debt some if not all!
Aug 23, 2012
No…don't legalize it…Forget about the money….just because you cannot control alcohol use and drugs doesn't mean you should legalize marijuana. Aren't there enough accidents and stupid people hurting others without this being legal, too? Do you seriously think this will change things for the better? I'm so tired of seeing this question in the news, too. Go find something else to help the economy with already.
Aug 23, 2012
Hemp is the number one resource in our country…..it is used for limitless things as a benefit….
Aug 23, 2012
A question was posed during a comedy show with Bill Maher… " We need to motivate voters to go vote. Do you think we would find NEW motivated voters if they knew their vote for Obama would be a vote to legalize weed? The crowd went wild….. DUH!@! You'd find 20 somethings running to get their voter ID…. and then vote. Just sayin'
Aug 23, 2012
Meth, Cocaine, Crack, Alcohol, Acid, LSD, Extacy, and many other are all MAN made where as POT is ALL NATURAL…….. There is no man made products in it. Cigarettes go for an average about $5.00 a pack which equals out to be about an ounce of tobacco; people would happily pay $30.00 for a pack of non-filter joints; which in turn would drive the dealers out of business. The government could tax the piss out of it; which 1) nation would get out of debt 2) put the same restrictions as alcohol; meaning the legal age limit (21) no driving while smoking; no going to work under the influence…..In Amsterdam they have more problems at their pubs (drinking establishments) then they do at their coffee houses where the pot is smoked. PAY ATTENTION PEOPLE AND THANK YOU!
Aug 23, 2012
In 1936 the federal government outlawed Hemp due to heavy lobbying by both Hearst Paper company and kimberly clark paper company. Hemp can produce a higher quality of paper (no pun intended) at a lower cost and its crop is harvested every six months. How long does it take a tree to grow before we can harvest paper? Now the pharmacuticle companies are fighting the legalization because you can not put a pattened on a drug that does not contain a man made chemical!
Aug 23, 2012
Marijuana grows all by itself in many places, why spend all that money running it down and burning it. For pete's sake, legalize it and go after REAL crimes. Manufactured drugs are one thing, something that grows and can help many people is a completely different matter. I think it is ridiculous that in some places it is legal for medicinal reasons, then a person travels, has their papers that they get it legally for medicine, but can be arrested someplace else because they don't allow it for medicinal reasons. Legalize it across the board, that way no one that needs it can have it with no problems.
Aug 23, 2012
I have always said they should legalize it. Nothing wrong with it. My son actually had a discussion in class and the teacher told him that he was immature because he thinks it should be legal too (not like he uses) He just feels there is nothing wrong with it. I agree with helping sleep if I could find it I would use that instead of sleeping pills.
Aug 23, 2012
I have always said they should legalize it. Nothing wrong with it. My son actually had a discussion in class and the teacher told him that he was immature because he thinks it should be legal too (not like he uses) He just feels there is nothing wrong with it. I agree with helping sleep if I could find it I would use that instead of sleeping pills.
Aug 23, 2012
that would be a great bail out!!! just saying tax the hell out of it and make it legal
Aug 23, 2012
that would be a great bail out!!! just saying tax the hell out of it and make it legal
Aug 23, 2012
Ok odd my post says via mobile thats funny because I am on my laptop…lol
Aug 23, 2012
Ok odd my post says via mobile thats funny because I am on my laptop…lol
Aug 23, 2012
YES — I AGREE WITH RHONDA DAVIS ——–This has less medical impact on the brain and body than does alcohol and tobacco… legalizing it may bring our country out of debt, IF MANAGED CORRECTLY……………….
Aug 23, 2012
I agree with the next two below me, it`s a point.
Aug 23, 2012
Big tax money! It would lower the crime rate and boost funds for wellfare and disability.
Aug 23, 2012
Yupp…I USED to take sleeping pills too, & then found out THOSE ARE VERYYY DANGEROUS..as are the Pain Pills…Its Sad that the Doc's just keep prescribing those because the Pharmacological companies WANT them bought & WILL NOT give us something that is Actually good for us…Most the Drugs we get from the Doc's…have such HORRIBLE Side effects…& EVEN IF UR Body shows show any signs of the "side effects"..UR INSIDES AREEEE!!!…God put things like pot on this earth to Help us…The Indians used it for many things, so did the Pioneers & such..EVEN WAYYY Back further than That…its the plants the ADD DRUGS to that hurt us!!…OK I'm Done lol
Aug 23, 2012
I also think the goverment would have better controlover it than when its beeing sd illegally
Aug 23, 2012
I don't smoke or do anything else, but I have heard of using marijuana for health issues helps. So I think they should legalize it for medical only.
Aug 23, 2012
It needs to be legalized bc it takes years for a tree to grow and minutes to cut it down. for a pot plant to grow, it takes months. and we can use that as paper. pot has soo many uses and its a seed bearing herb. presidents have smoked it, the bass majority of the population has smoked it. whether It's for a purpose or for fun. it would help the US out in so many ways, but the problem is the population that is miss informed and think it's bad, the only way they're goingtto get on our side is to smoke it. I thought it was something so terrible, bc that's what I was told. I now know the truth.
Aug 23, 2012
They still would not be able too control the marijuana
Aug 23, 2012
the town that stands down wind from the burn buys more chetos then any other town lol
Aug 23, 2012
the town that stands down wind from the burn buys more chetos then any other town lol
Aug 23, 2012
Make it Legal.
Aug 23, 2012
I find it hard to believe that they burned all of it! Guess I'm not very good at trusting these folks. It should be legalized….period! For personal use, for medical use, for whatever use you choose. No exceptions. It would also allow the growing of hemp…which has a multitude of uses that could give other resources like wood (i.e. trees) a break!
Aug 23, 2012
Legalize marijuana and prostitution because they r going to do it any way so if they legalized it they could regulate it and can collect taxes on it
Aug 23, 2012
Sorry to bust your bubble…Advil can cause increase in blood pressure, rebound headaches, kidney problems, stomach problems…not everyone can tolerate it. Just as not everyone can tolerate THC. We are all individuals, and our medical regimens need to be individual. What works for one may not work for another. But natural medicine (or herbs) may be preferred by some, and not by others. Let your body be your guide. It knows how to heal itself, if only we would listen~!
Aug 23, 2012
Sorry to bust your bubble…Advil can cause increase in blood pressure, rebound headaches, kidney problems, stomach problems…not everyone can tolerate it. Just as not everyone can tolerate THC. We are all individuals, and our medical regimens need to be individual. What works for one may not work for another. But natural medicine (or herbs) may be preferred by some, and not by others. Let your body be your guide. It knows how to heal itself, if only we would listen~!
Aug 23, 2012
I bought a hemp dress from a shop in Key West – the one I wore for Jo and Kevin's wedding. The softest and most durable dress I ever owned and it became softer with each washing, ever in the crappy water in KW. Loved it. I have a friend who has sheets from hemp cloth – same results.
Aug 23, 2012
Or couldn't we just grow for our own personal use?
Aug 23, 2012
It's not only about smoking it, you do realize that the plant itself can be used for paper instead of trees? That Cancer sufferers and autistic people can use it for medicinal purposes? Accidents happen because of stupidity legalizing or not will not change that factor. As for changing things for the better, we won't know until we try or we could just keep our heads in the sand and pretend everything is ok the way it is. There was no significant change when Prohibition started or stopped.
Aug 23, 2012
I completely agree. I think it should be legalized for medical purposes atleast. And as you said, there is a large portion of the population that do smoke it recreationally. Imagine the revenue that the government could bring in just by legalizing it and taxing it. Its just like prohibition of alcohol, if people want it they are going to get it illegally. Rightnow our taxes are being spent on the DEA destroying plants and paying for 'criminals' to be in jail or prison for posession charges. But why spend money trying to destroy one of the 'safe' drugs (no one has ever died from a marijuana overdose) when it could be used to create revenue. If marijuana is a so called "gateway drug" then what do they consider tobacco or alcohol. Its just rediculous.
Aug 23, 2012
I completely agree. I think it should be legalized for medical purposes atleast. And as you said, there is a large portion of the population that do smoke it recreationally. Imagine the revenue that the government could bring in just by legalizing it and taxing it. Its just like prohibition of alcohol, if people want it they are going to get it illegally. Rightnow our taxes are being spent on the DEA destroying plants and paying for 'criminals' to be in jail or prison for posession charges. But why spend money trying to destroy one of the 'safe' drugs (no one has ever died from a marijuana overdose) when it could be used to create revenue. If marijuana is a so called "gateway drug" then what do they consider tobacco or alcohol. Its just rediculous.
Aug 23, 2012
Right that is true
Aug 23, 2012
Really is it any different than Alochol, or cigarettes? They both kill. Just tax the heck out of it and give it out as medical.. Lets get real here this could generate jobs, and help the States and Federal goverment with Money…
Aug 23, 2012
Yep! My wedding dress and Michael's wedding shirt were both made of hemp. Of course, we were married in Missouri (in our yard), and nobody knew what hemp cloth was. They kept trying to sell me burlap! Had to order it from California….figures!
Aug 23, 2012
you dont HAVE to SMOKE it, taste good as a TEA too!!! Hint Hint
Aug 23, 2012
Look what its done for Columbia, Aghanistan, Vietnam, Thiland… They are booming with jobs and money. LOL
Aug 23, 2012
DEA is absolutely right because it is illegal. BUT, I think it should be legalized merely because it would be an excellant source of tax income for the USA. Also, legalization would cut down, not entirely, the illegal drug trade. AND, no, we shouldn't take the next step after that and legalize cocaine!
Aug 23, 2012
i agree. it should be legalized. i have pain daily and you have to jump through hoops with the gov't to get a card to buy it from someone who grows it , legally.
Aug 23, 2012
Yes, it should be legalized.
Aug 23, 2012
Because our so called regulated drug company's are killing us with all the lab created crape we have to take. Its Russian rullett it's scarey to depend on someone who by admission couldn't tell you whet reacts with what so for me its a great big yes for marijuana
Aug 23, 2012
NO. kids just steel to buy the pot and they are the ones going to jail so the big money can stay right where it is, and not much is being done to keep it out of the usa, collecting money would not help the homeless or the poor. just make the rich get richer, making pot legal would just hurt more people then help them. and uncle sam would just make more money for our goverment and would not help the poor or the middle class worker, but they goverment works will just give themselves a big raise, Just like the trickle down that Bush gave to big bussines twice and nothing tricked down it just stayed in big business owners pockets, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. check out how little middle class people have to live on these days,
Aug 23, 2012
To M Doreen Ruth-Clark: Here in AZ, no one just gets fined for possesison of illegal anything. You go to jail! The drug we deal with the hardest is Methamphetamine–5 years mandatory flat time in prison if convicted with even the tinyest amount. Don't drive through the state with it!
Aug 23, 2012
I wish they would legalize cannibis already. It's proven to provide pain relief to people with chronic pain. Think of the revenue that could be generated because of it. We could get the big drug kingpins out of the picture.
Aug 23, 2012
Yes, it would help financially, but it would also get the gazillion cops who work at trying to "bring pot growers and sellers to justice", back to working "real crimes", like abductions, kidnapping, and murder. AND, the narcs won't be getting high any more and can put forth quality work. They can maybe charge you for possession over a certain restricted amount, but only if they pull you over for a driving violation, not because they are wasting cops' time searching for drug users.
Aug 23, 2012
You weren't saying that when I was young LOL but in all honesty thru my cancer the prescription meds r 1000 x worse then medicinal marijuana I couldn't stand the way those morphine and things made me feel…
Aug 23, 2012
Marijuana grows all by itself in many places, why spend all that money running it down and burning it. For pete's sake, legalize it and go after REAL crimes. Manufactured drugs are one thing, something that grows and can help many people is a completely different matter. I think it is ridiculous that in some places it is legal for medicinal reasons, then a person travels, has their papers that they get it legally for medicine, but can be arrested someplace else because they don't allow it for medicinal reasons. Legalize it across the board, that way no one that needs it can have it with no problems.
Aug 23, 2012
Yes I think it should be legalized. I am not a pot smoker, but in 2008 my brother was dying from cancer and the doctor told him to smoke pot. I seen how it eased his pain and it did help him eat. It was a help and not a hindrance!
Aug 23, 2012
I think it should be legalized!
Aug 23, 2012
I think it should be legalized. Come on alcohol is more deadly, but our government makes too much money on it, so, people are dying.. It is good for nausea and helps with eating. What is the problem; the government is afraid they won't be able to make money on it. also, In Seattle if you have certain medical issues you are given a card for it.. In other words it helps those people so, what's the problem. ok then make alcohol illegal!
Aug 23, 2012
Peter Bell It doesn't work for me!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aug 23, 2012
also Migranal doesn't work for me its a RX from a Neurologist and it quit working after a year. Pot does ease the pain and pressure in my back and from my migraines. Any side effects? Ya it makes me smile
is that such a bad thing? I think not Peter Bell!!
Aug 23, 2012
I Agree 100% That It Should Be Legalized
Aug 23, 2012
No sorry Robin I have to disagree we have to many things that are legal that are destroying the human body!!!!!
Aug 23, 2012
If the politicians had their way would they ARREST GOD for making Pot? Why did GOD put the happiness in Pot?? You don't have to smoke it you can chew it, you can cook with it, you can bake with it, and also make clothes and other essentials with it. The Constitution of the United States is written on Hemp Paper. Our founding fathers of our country grew pot.
Aug 23, 2012
It can resist drought conditions.
Aug 23, 2012
yes u can aspirin is made from Willow bark
Aug 23, 2012
yes u can aspirin is made from Willow bark
Aug 23, 2012
I think it should. I would rather see some one smoke any day then drink.
Aug 23, 2012
if everyone smoked weed the world would be a safer place. everyone would love each , as we should- no one wants to fight on weed- no one-
Aug 23, 2012
Yes it should be legal for many reasons, at the least it should be decriminalized.
Aug 23, 2012
Legalize it, tax the hell out of it amd fix the deficit
Aug 23, 2012
not a fan of pot but don't see where it's any worse than booze…legalize and tax the hell out of it and make state money
Aug 23, 2012
I don't smoke marijuana, but think it should be legalized. The government would legalize it if they had a way to control it and tax it.
Aug 23, 2012
The reason>THE ONLY REASON< marijuanna and cocaine attained Schedule 1 status back in the depths of JIM CROW era………Southern Senators pushed through legislation to protect white women from being drugged into sex with negro males LOL Was bullshit then is bullshit now.REPEAL the last of the JIM CROW laws and legalize Marijuanna!
Aug 23, 2012
Yes tax dollars
Aug 23, 2012
Hace menos dano que el alchol.
Aug 23, 2012
how u know lol
Aug 23, 2012
I'm not even a pot smoker and I think it should be legalized I really think it helpes people with serious medical issues.
Aug 23, 2012
That picture looks yummy…legalizing weed would keep the streets safer, make plenty of room in courts and jails…and perhaps would help keep some of the young people from getting addicted to pills…LEGALIZE POT…
Aug 23, 2012
iI will probably be looked down upon for this statement but ''Yes'' marijuana should be legalized, I have never smoked it in my life and was so against it until my loved one was in a terrible accident that almost took his life at age 17 and left him in a wheel-chair for life–I have seen him in terrible pain and drs. would prescribe him pain meds that made him sick and would not touch the pain–the marijuana does the trick for him and hes pain free for awhile–so yes-it should be legalized-people are going to do it anyway and alcohol and the other drugs are worse–they did this with alcohol in the day also and I have witnessed the devastation of alcohol first hand and like I said "I do NOT smoke anything at all-much less pot and never will but I do agree with legal marijuana-for pain and other ailments. thank-you
Aug 23, 2012
Not to mention make our government billions of dollars with taxes and sales. It could take us out of the deep debt that our lovely country is in. It's insane that it's 2012 and weed is still illegal and cigarettes are legal.
Aug 23, 2012
wow! can you imagine the economy bouncing back! I give it two weeks.
Aug 23, 2012
Yes it should be legal. A stoner is going to get high and stay home listening to music and eating junk food. Where as a drunk will go out, driving and kill themselves and other. Weed should be legal and booze should be illegal.
Drunk divers kill all kind of people.
Aug 23, 2012
I agree with you Pam. I've witnessed the violence of Alcohol in my own family. I've talked with many a police officer and they agree–rarely do they get called out for violence from people smoking pot but always for alcohol.
Aug 23, 2012
Actually, it should never be legal! It is legal in pill form called marinol. But people like getting high so they prefer to smoke it.
Aug 23, 2012
One joint is equal to 5 to 10 cigarettes as far as damage to your lungs. Much higher rates of lung cancer!!!
Aug 23, 2012
Yes one joint is equal to 5-10 cigarettes!!
Aug 23, 2012
Cindy Frings Hendley hi cindy–now nIm not saying to smoke pot to get high–Im talking about for medical reasons–I knew me giving my opinion would do this but when my loved one takes pills, he gets sick–its been an on-going battle-and I agree its hard on lungs, but he needs to have some quality of life–and cindy Ive never heard of it in that pill form "marinol'' maybe he should check into that–look what alcohol did to certain ones, like blinding them–Im just sayin-I wouldnt do it but its gonna happen for medical reasons sooner or later.
Aug 23, 2012
Ellen Ervin West actually Ellen I wish they had never made alcohol legal–it caused HAVOC in my family–I dont mean to sound bad but unless we had not of went thru what we all did then I wouldnt feel this way-and I have been told it helps with pain from cancer–I dont know–thanks Ellen
Aug 23, 2012
or oxycodone
Aug 24, 2012
Cause cigarettes don't make you stupid
Aug 24, 2012
You can't compare alcohol with drug use. It's not a matter of one vs. The other! They are two very different substances. The only common denominator is being a loser! That is what I have taught my kids, and it must have made an impact in their lives, cause my girls are pretty AWSOME and successful!
Aug 24, 2012
If marijuana was a legal crop this would not be a problem. It would be grown on legal farmland like all other legal farm crops. Then the money would not have to be spent looking for it and then destroying it. The public land would not be used and abused by the growers. The illegal equipment to grow it wold not be there. The criminal element would be gone. It would simply not be profitable to compete with legal growers. We wouldn't have to pay to put people in jail. We would not have to support the legal system at the extent it has to be now. Legalize it, tax it and reap the tax benefits. Look at Spain. Their drug addition rates are half of what they were once they decriminalized all drugs. They now spend a small portion of the money that used to be spend on treatment and rehab. What a great concept. It costs society so much less and it reaps more rewards.
Aug 24, 2012
it way better than drinking.
Aug 24, 2012
I say YES for medical use! I hear from people on pain meds. that it works better for them.
Aug 24, 2012
I say YES for medical use! I hear from people on pain meds. that it works better for them.
Aug 24, 2012
Yes, pot has amazing benefits for people in chronic pain. Plus it would free up a lot of agents to do more serious crime. Alcohol used to be prohibited too which fed the black market. Today its the drug cartels. Plus we need to quit supporting the coca growers in Columbia etc.
Aug 24, 2012
People who say there's nothing wrong with pot are boneheads. But it still needs to be legalized. People being put in jail and paying fines etc for possession is nothing short of a government money making scam. No, it's not good for you. Neither is tobacco and alcohol, and sugar and fried food and any number of dietary hazards. Busting people for marijuana raises money for the system but it also taxes the system in other ways. LEGALIZE IT, ALREADY!
Aug 24, 2012
Ask your Dr. Say hey Doc, Realy now, Just a straight answer. Which is worse at the same chronic intoxication level, Pot or ETOH.
Aug 24, 2012
Leagalize! I mean hell i know alot of.people including myself who smoke it due to medical problems. And some who.smoke it for.fun! Make 420 legal
Aug 24, 2012
I definitely say yes, way less harmful, on all accounts, than cigarettes & alcohol, plus has benefits to it where cigs & alcohol do not.
Aug 24, 2012
Legalize! I know I'll see it in my lifetime but the fact it is still illegal is mind boggling. There is even more money to be made legalizing it and it is less harmful than alcohol and tobacco. We have a messed up system, but is a system, so I'll take it.
Aug 24, 2012
Smoke in your lungs is still smoke in your lungs though.
Aug 24, 2012
wrong becuz there is no formaldehyde & addictive additives added in, but i wasnt speaking of jus smoking. alot of people manage pain with edibles and drinks that contain THC (Marijuana) and they dont smoke
Aug 24, 2012
wrong becuz there is no formaldehyde & addictive additives added in, but i wasnt speaking of jus smoking. alot of people manage pain with edibles and drinks that contain THC (Marijuana) and they dont smoke
Aug 24, 2012
I hear what your saying, but when you smoke it your still inhaling smoke into your lungs. It is also quite addictive as well. Most people that say is not cant go a hole day with out a puff. That means its addictive. Not taking up for cigarettes, black and milds or what ever peoples vices are, but just stating that the are all addictive and all have negative side effects.
Aug 24, 2012
There has not been 1 study EVER that has found marijuana addictive, 1st and foremost plz dont tell me ur one of them fools that believe addiction is a disease 2nd no one has ever had withdrawals from Marijuana. U should spend some time looking into this, U GONNA LEARN TODAY! LOL
Aug 24, 2012
that's right, smoking cigarettes isn't stupid, they only kill about a half a million people a year in the u.s. alone
Aug 24, 2012
I am no fool and will not use any words like that to attack you. Got respect for you. just trying to have a convo. I have learned nothing today. I know people personally who needs a toke to get there day started and smoke through out the day. EVERY DAY. That is an addict and yes I also know plenty of people who have withdrawal from not getting there fix. I know them personally so dont need to read a study to see it. Trust I have read and saw first hand encounters.
Aug 24, 2012
I said PLZ DONT TELL ME UR ONE OF "THEM" FOOLS, now if u believe addiction is a disease well than if the shoe fit wear it, not being disrespectful by any means. Cancer is a disease u cant control if u get it or not, u choose to use drugs, totally different. If u cant take a joke then I apologize but u should look into it cuz i dont know a single person addicted to marijuana or have i ever heard of 1. Goodnight!
Aug 24, 2012
LOL!!! Not one person LIsa? I used to be. Needed it every day. I will just ask if you know anyone that smokes on a regular to take a hiatus from it for just a week and see how they act.
Aug 24, 2012
Exactly….So all the pills that people take and overdose and all the alcohol that destroys lives and families, and copd and lung cancer that cigs cause is better? All those cause addictions and problems. And do you think they want money being taken out of their pockets by people selling mj. If it were legal, the poor pharmaceutical companies would loose money. boooo hooo! let me wipe a tear. Oh and did you ever wonder how all the cocaine and other mass amount of drugs gets over here…By the help of the very same people making marijuana seems likes its so bad, although it is a plant that grows naturally, isn't it?
Aug 24, 2012
Took me six months to not have an urge to indulge in that sweet chiba. Its a feeling that you want on a constant basis
Aug 24, 2012
I'll be 70 in three months…have never liked the taste of alchohol, the way it makes me feel, or the way many people act when drinking. I'd like to be able to have a toke or two once in a while. I wouldn't need to take pain meds for arthritis (easy to get a script)…and under the influence of pot, I can dance and self-massage/meditate my pain away. I sure wish I had the nerve to grow a bit, or could buy some from someone who only sold pot and not harmful stuff. Medical use not enough; I think adults should be allowed recreational use just as they are allowed alchohol, cigarettes, sugar…
Aug 24, 2012
Yes it should be legalized. Remember prohibition didn't stop people from drinking, serving, and buying alcohol. This is no different. You can not legislate morality.
Aug 24, 2012
Yes it should be legalized. Remember prohibition didn't stop people from drinking, serving, and buying alcohol. This is no different. You can not legislate morality.
Aug 24, 2012
Yrs. ago weed was legal & used for medical purposes. It certainly should be legal, taxed, & sold to people of a certain age, not to children, it is by far safer than alcohol. I have been on opiate drugs for 14 yrs. now & am scared of what it is doing to my organs. My Dr. even suggested I use weed instead & get off of these so dangerous drugs. I have used it & have no side effects! I am in the process of changing. I think it needs to be legalized for who ever wants to use it. It's far less dangerous than alcohol & many many people use it & have for years. LEGALIZE NOW!
Aug 24, 2012
I don't think the drug cartels would be too upset about legalizing marijuana. I'm sure that is only responsible for a piddly amount of money they get compared to the heavy stuff they deal with.
Aug 24, 2012
Noone has ever OverDosed on Marijuana, it's a natrural herb that was put on this planet for a reason and has been around since the creation of this planet. Makes no sense that people won't vote to legalize it. In this article they talk about the destruction of natural vegitation, trees, and streams, well they should stop and think about it a little bit harder, IF IT WAS LEGAL THE GROWERS WOULD"NT HAVE TO DO GORILLA FARMING AND DESTROY THESE THINGS THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO GROW IN THEIR OWN YARD!
Aug 24, 2012
NO NOT 1, Sorry! I smoked since i was 10 and have never had an issue quitting, then again I also used cocaine and pills and wen i was ready to quit I did, maybe a day or 2 of detox from cocaine & pills but never had any detox from marijuana/ NEVER! Now u can have withdrawals from drinking soda, NEVER MARIJUANA. U jus used it as an excuse cuz there is no findings of withdrawals from weed, Sorry! Find it & prove me wrong, post it all over my page! Have a great day!
Aug 24, 2012
I just told you I had withdrawl!!!! How you gonna tell me no? I understand you like marijuana. I was like that too till i cut it off. It will consume your hole life Lisa. Come on. Everyones got there vises. I could tell when I have concos with you how serious it is. Im on the outside looking in. Im sorry to break this to you. It consumes peoples lives. I see it clearly. Now go back to your studies im done cause you will never see it unless you leave it.
Aug 24, 2012
Should be legal….no more harmful than alcohol which destroys lives and families.
Aug 24, 2012
If marijuana had been legal, my brother would not have had to be on extremely potent pain medication for the last 20 years of his life and would have had less damage done to his heart.
Get real America, there is less impact than alcohol and tobacco!
Aug 24, 2012
It must be legalized for med purposes. Do it QUICKLY, do it NOW!
Aug 24, 2012
Is it long past due ?I mean seriously! Get over it. It's 2012 the boomers are senior stoners now!
Aug 24, 2012
I resemble that remark!
Aug 24, 2012
I see nothing wrong with it, it is a natural substance and could not possibly be worse than smoking cigarrettes or drinking alcohol, which are both legal. Perscription meds are much more harmful also and they are handed out like candy by doctors every second of every day. People who smoke it are going to smoke it whether it is legal or not, so what makes the difference? That way it could be taxed and bring in revenue. Only thing, don't put a bunch of toxins and chemicals in it like they do cigarrettes.
Aug 24, 2012
They make you and everything around you stink, they make your home and automobile filthy, they destroy your lungs, heart and liver and in my opinion you are already STUPID if you smoke then to start with.
Aug 24, 2012
Wow, that makes no sense!
Aug 24, 2012
wow
Aug 24, 2012
Marijuana does not make you want to "hurt people", you are confusing it with alcohol, which does make most people violent. Pot mellows you and takes away agression. I know people who smoke and it does not affect their driving ability. It is not ideal to be a pot smoker, granted, but at least 50% of the population are already smoking it and I don't think legalizing it is going to cause the ones who don't to want to do it. So, really, it would only give us a lot more room in jails for real criminals and generate a great deal of tax revenue that hopefully could get the country out of debt.
Aug 24, 2012
Yes! it should be legal, look at all the benefits– government pot farms, helping people get jobs–less crime–people who are high are more mellow, grocery store would profit big time–people get the munchies and buy anything and everything because it all looks so good when your high, use the taxes to get us out of debit, I guess the only people who would take a hit ( no pun intended) would be the doctors and the pharmacies, we would'nt need all the medications they are shoving at us now, but the government wants to (off) the little people and the poor so we probly won't see it legalized. My son has kidney failure and getting high is his only means of relaxing, it is also the only way he can keep any food down and since I don't have insurance they won't do a transplant, they rather pay $2500.00 a day to hook him up to a machine for 4 hours, go figure.
Aug 24, 2012
Any drug you put in your body affects your motor skills. It makes you not care; which is my point.
Aug 25, 2012
Agree yes to be legalize it!
Aug 25, 2012
I wish it would become legalized at least for medical use. My hubby has cancer and can get a prescription for Marinol, for which Medicare pays $1100.00/month and it doesn't work as well for his pain, nausea, etc., so why can't he get medical marijuana to comfort him during this time when addiction shouldn't even be an issue, since they will write him all the narcotics in the world for pain….while destroying his liver further….makes no sense to me that it cannot be legalized for Cancer patients in Louisiana…..
Aug 25, 2012
pot don't make you stupid if your stupid then your stupid ,
Aug 25, 2012
It is in Arizona
Aug 28, 2012
the town in Colorado balanced the budget with the money from the lagalized shops. over 3million
Aug 28, 2012
many sick people could benefit from marinol, you cant dispute that. Cancer patient, cronic pain, glucoma, etc.
Aug 31, 2012
Oh for God sakes NO. We currently have no testing method to determine how loaded someone is on marijunana so why in the world would we want to add this nightmare of our already overloaded police & court systems, much less the danger to society with all the drunks driving too. Plus the health issues that no body who defends it wants to admit such as lung cancer, gum disease, artery disease & that's just to name a few of it's ill effects on the human body.
Aug 31, 2012
Might as well be legal. Anybody can get it anytime they want it and they are doing just that. Compared to booze people on weed are not known to harm others.
Aug 31, 2012
Well, I know a few who drink & smoke which make them extremely aggitated & even more dangerous and I seriously have not seen a postitive thing it has done for anyone. And almost everyone that I've seen addicted to it are so dang lazy they can't or won't work and do cause harm to others when they drive because of lack of motor skills to avoid accidents.
Sep 2, 2012
it is legal.
Sep 3, 2012
It is not Federally legal.
Sep 9, 2012
Well there would be alot less crime I believe! Legalize it and like Nancy says tax the hell out of if! Alcohol is much worse for you then Marijuana is. That's a fact.
Sep 9, 2012
Well there would be alot less crime I believe! Legalize it and like Nancy says tax the hell out of if! Alcohol is much worse for you then Marijuana is. That's a fact.
Jan 28, 2013
call me at moms and let me know whats going on….i fell down on the steps lol there was ice everywhere thank goodness i didnt get hurt:)
Jan 28, 2013
oh my page is down waitin for fb to fix it thats why im on sisters…