12-16-2009, 01:21 PM
I'm not opposed to legalization, but let's keep the facts straight. In America, 64% of Americans drink beer. Estimates range between 20 to 45% for the number of people who smoke pot regularly.(Twice a month or more) In Amsterdam only 20% of their citizens reported trying pot. In neither place is there a believable study of how many people actually smoke pot. That means that making public policy about the stuff is guesswork.
My bottom line here is: Pot smokers probably exaggerate the number of people who smoke. They think virtually everyone smokes because they tend to socialize with those of like mind. The authorities on the other hand seem to be driven by a mentality formed from fifties movies like "Reefer Madness". It's surprising how much so-called scientific research has been put out which is biased by the same social attitudes. Not likely that those engaged in an activity which is considered criminal by the courts are going to be part of surveys which might jeopardize their freedom. Until we know what the numbers are, and until unbiased(read not paid for by law enforcement) research is done, we cannot be sure that our fellow citizens are not being railroaded by a beserk legal system. Wouldn't be the first time in America.
My bottom line here is: Pot smokers probably exaggerate the number of people who smoke. They think virtually everyone smokes because they tend to socialize with those of like mind. The authorities on the other hand seem to be driven by a mentality formed from fifties movies like "Reefer Madness". It's surprising how much so-called scientific research has been put out which is biased by the same social attitudes. Not likely that those engaged in an activity which is considered criminal by the courts are going to be part of surveys which might jeopardize their freedom. Until we know what the numbers are, and until unbiased(read not paid for by law enforcement) research is done, we cannot be sure that our fellow citizens are not being railroaded by a beserk legal system. Wouldn't be the first time in America.