Feds won't preempt state marijuana laws

Story.

Is this the beginning of the end of marijuana prohibition? I realize there's still a long way to go, but is there finally light at the end of the tunnel for this stupid and wasteful war against a relatively benign drug?

but then stoners will have nothing to talk about

but then stoners will have nothing to talk about

lostrib

but then stoners will have nothing to talk about

lostrib

The TV still works.

Story.

Is this the beginning of the end of marijuana prohibition? I realize there's still a long way to go, but is there finally light at the end of the tunnel for this stupid and wasteful war against a relatively benign drug?

br0kenrabbit

Seems to be coming soon to Canada too.  Just Yesterday the Leader of the Federal Liberal party admitted to smoking it.  So did the Priemier of Ontario, along with the Mayor of Toronto.  Admittied they used to smoke it that is.  The reaction from the public was mostly "Who cares"  

I think legalization has become such a mainstream idea that it will likely be legal in most places by the end of the decade.  Especially after the government has basically consented to it indirectly and we've finally reached a point were most people have been around it enough to realize it's not as bad as many other drugs and certainly not as bad as alcohol.   Of course no matter what happens most employers who drug test will probably continue to include weed in their testing but that's a different issue I guess.  I just hope Obama doesn't flip flop on this like he did enforcement on medicinal use...

junglist101

I am left to wonder if a doctors note would be enough to excuse its apperance in a drug screen. I am retired, but I am nonetheless left with two choices for my anxiety and insomnia: pharmacuticals or weed. The pharmas I've tried debilitate me more than weed ever has...Seroquel will knock you on your ass.

lol benignCapitan_Kid

Compare it to a pharma drug that I've been prescribed in the past:

____________________________________________

Stop SEROQUEL XR and call your doctor right away if you have some or all of the following symptoms: high fever; excessive sweating; stiff muscles; confusion; changes in pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure. These may be symptoms of a rare, but very serious and potentially fatal, side effect called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

High blood sugar and diabetes have been reported with SEROQUEL XR and medicines like it. If you have diabetes or risk factors such as obesity or a family history of diabetes, your doctor should check your blood sugar before you start taking SEROQUEL XR and also during therapy. If you develop symptoms of high blood sugar or diabetes, such as excessive thirst or hunger, increased urination, or weakness, contact your doctor. Complications from diabetes can be serious and even life threatening.

Other risks include feeling dizzy or lightheaded upon standing, decreases in white blood cells (which can be fatal), or trouble swallowing. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these.

____________________________________________

That's just a start.

Pass the spliff, please.

Just shows how broken the Federal government is. This highlights to me why the country is going down.LongZhiZi

That they are lessening the pressure on marijuana laws?  Not our crippling debt or serious social issues?

Just shows how broken the Federal government is. This highlights to me why the country is going down.LongZhiZi

Because stoners aren't being thrown in jail with rapists and murderers? :lol:

Getting high this weekend yolo

MrPraline

Nice.  I'm staying high this weekend.

You mean they haven't been giving a free-pass on marijuana for the last decade and a half by allowing it to be sold medically? And I totally thought they were going to crack down...

[QUOTE="LongZhiZi"]

That they are lessening the pressure on marijuana laws?  Not our crippling debt or serious social issues?

lostrib

[QUOTE="LongZhiZi"]Just shows how broken the Federal government is. This highlights to me why the country is going down.br0kenrabbit

Because stoners aren't being thrown in jail with rapists and murderers? :lol:

In two states in this country, the federal government has signaled that they're not going to enforce their laws. So for those two states, what you said will become true. If the feds don't believe they should be enforcing the law, lobby Congress to change it. Problem solved.

LongZhiZi

If you're so by-the-book, then the next time you drive through Tennessee, you must stop at every intersection, turn off your vehicle, discharge a firearm, listen for a response, sound a horn, listen for a response, walk a good distance ahead and check for any obstructions, and then proceed only with extreme caution.

Also, you can't have any business transactions on Sundays.

It was only a matter of time.

Story.

Is this the beginning of the end of marijuana prohibition? I realize there's still a long way to go, but is there finally light at the end of the tunnel for this stupid and wasteful war against a relatively benign drug?br0kenrabbit

There are currently several high-profile cases involving Medical Marijuana in California, including some that involve asset forfeiture for merely renting space to Medical Marijuana Dispensaries. I wonder if those will be dropped... and by "wonder", I mean "hope".

[QUOTE="LongZhiZi"] In two states in this country, the federal government has signaled that they're not going to enforce their laws. So for those two states, what you said will become true. If the feds don't believe they should be enforcing the law, lobby Congress to change it. Problem solved.

br0kenrabbit

If you're so by-the-book, then the next time you drive through Tennessee, you must stop at every intersection, turn off your vehicle, discharge a firearm, listen for a response, sound a horn, listen for a response, walk a good distance ahead and check for any obstructions, and then proceed only with extreme caution.

Also, you can't have any business transactions on Sundays.

Though I agree that those laws should be enforced (or repealed, which is where my actual support is), there is a colossal difference. I'm not responsible for executing the laws of the land. The governernor in your example is. In this thread, the president is responsible. If you wish to petition the governernor of Tennessee to enforce or demand repeal of these laws, I would gladly support you.LongZhiZi

Well then that's unfortunate that you would not only be ok with seeing a stupid law like this one enforced, but would even support it, let alone a destructive law that destroys lives like our current Marijuana legislation.

I don't share your views, and I resolutely believe that any executive can refuse to enforce bad laws if they choose to, especially given the fact that they are already empowered in most States and definitely in the US Presidency to nullify those laws by issuing pardons for any law they currently have the jurisdiction to enforce.

Though I agree that those laws should be enforced (or repealed, which is where my actual support is), there is a colossal difference. I'm not responsible for executing the laws of the land. The governernor in your example is. In this thread, the president is responsible. If you wish to petition the governernor of Tennessee to enforce or demand repeal of these laws, I would gladly support you.LongZhiZi

Do you realize how many laws are 'on the books' that aren't enforced?

I for one am grateful that discretion supersedes text. I'd be going down for stupid shit like showering on Sunday or sex that wasn't in the missionary position and many other stupid shit if the thinking brain was nullified by the letter of law.

Guys I want to ask a question. I often get confused when it comes to weed. Is marijuana weed? Are both the common name for Cannabis? What is this shit called hemp? Also, people in the middle east call the mainstream, nonaddictive substance "Hasheesh". Yet people who smoke that keep telling me that its different from marijuana. They don't smoke those dried leaves, they smoke this shit I can't figure out what it exactly is:
GazaAli

hasheesh, as I understand, is MUCH stronger. marijuana, weed, and cannabis are all the same thing. I think hasheesh is a concentrated version of weed.

Guys I want to ask a question. I often get confused when it comes to weed. Is marijuana weed? Are both the common name for Cannabis? What is this shit called hemp? Also, people in the middle east call the mainstream, nonaddictive substance "Hasheesh". Yet people who smoke that keep telling me that its different from marijuana. They don't smoke those dried leaves, they smoke this shit I can't figure out what it exactly is: GazaAli

Although it's a little more complicated than this, hemp is a term used for those strains used in the production of industrial and food items. Laws are usually in place that allow industrial hemp as long as the psychoactive components are below guidelines. Strains are even cultivated that are already very low.

A few examples: (1) I use a soap called "Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap" that is saponified from a combination of olive and industrial hemp oil. (2) Certain ropes are created from cords of hemp because hemp is one of the stronger materials available for such purposes. (3) I was in Seattle for a wedding a few weeks ago, and I went to "Seattle Coffeeworks" for a Latte, at which point they offered me hemp milk as one of their dairy alternatives (which included rice, soy, and almond milk as well).

In those three instances, the levels of psychoactive components are likely very very low, certainly below guidelines.

Guys I want to ask a question. I often get confused when it comes to weed. Is marijuana weed? Are both the common name for Cannabis? What is this shit called hemp? Also, people in the middle east call the mainstream, nonaddictive substance "Hasheesh". Yet people who smoke that keep telling me that its different from marijuana. They don't smoke those dried leaves, they smoke this shit I can't figure out what it exactly is: GazaAli

Marijuana is weed. Marijuana grows in three distinct varities:

1. Hemp (Ruderalis) - very low THC concentration but strong fibers. Very stalk-like.

2. Indica - Bush like, short and wide. This weed produces a 'couchlock' stone, as it makes you sedated.

3. Sativa - Tall and thin like a pine sapling. A more energetic and 'mental' high.

Hashish is just the trichomes (crystals) compressed into a  block/roll. The trichomes are where the THC is actually produced.

Trichomes

Trichomes that aren't compressed, as will often be collected in the bottom of grinders, is called 'keef'. Most people save this up to add to their bowls/joints.

Just imagine what discussions of drugs will be like without having marijuana as "gateway drug". Once the pot issue is resolved (in a decade probably), efforts will be turned to the increased abuse of pharma drugs, which will be far worse by then. Pot use will be mild in comparison.jimkabrhel

That's already the case here in FL...  It's full of corrupt doctors that issue pills like candy.  Yet we have such harsh marijuana laws...talk about priorities.  I can't wait to get out of this backwards state.

This is really good news though.  I guess those in office that are profiting off the cartel's reign are finally starting to die off.

@br0kenrabbit Let me get this straight, marijuana and weed are the same thing and it can be extracted from three different plants? And are these plants different species or strains from the same one?GazaAli

They are different strains of the same plant. They are interbreedable and in fact most recreational and medical marijuana are hybrids (blends) of indica and sativa.

Edit: And yes, Marijuana = weed = cannabis

[QUOTE="GazaAli"]@br0kenrabbit Let me get this straight, marijuana and weed are the same thing and it can be extracted from three different plants? And are these plants different species or strains from the same one?br0kenrabbit

They are different strains of the same plant. They are interbreedable and in fact most recreational and medical marijuana are hybrids (blends) of indica and sativa.

  I think this is a good article, http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1808 it effects your brain, not your body.  One thing it does is replaces your neurotransmitters, so if you use this drug recreationally, your brain stops producing it.  Kind of like steriods where it doesnt necessarily show harmful effects right away, but over time.  Alcohal being way worst is subjective, alcohol (think wine) is great for you in small doses.  From my real world experience dealing with people who talk about how they are drug users, there is one glaring thing I dont like.  They are careless people, not able to deal with stress nearly as effectively.  

  I think this is a good article, http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1808 it effects your brain, not your body.  One thing it does is replaces your neurotransmitters, so if you use this drug recreationally, your brain stops producing it.  Kind of like steriods where it doesnt necessarily show harmful effects right away, but over time.  Alcohal being way worst is subjective, alcohol (think wine) is great for you in small doses.  From my real world experience dealing with people who talk about how they are drug users, there is one glaring thing I dont like.  They are careless people, not able to deal with stress nearly as effectively.  

mahlasor

This is still a little hard for me to understand. @ M0zart Are you saying that "hemp" is a strain of weed that is also widely used in the production of food and nonfood items (as long as the psychoactive substance is below guidelines)? @br0kenrabbit Let me get this straight, marijuana and weed are the same thing and it can be extracted from three different plants? And are these plants different species or strains from the same one?GazaAli

Hemp is just cannabis grown for its fiber.  Basically all the THC (the chemical that produces the high) is extracted from it.  

Marijuana, Cannabis, weed, ganja...they're all just names to describe the same plant.  Marijuana comes in two distinct strain types; Sativa (head high), and Indica (Body high).  There's probably thousands of strain names out there. Ex: Purp, Lemon Haze, Blue Dream, etc,.  

The truth is that people that say marijuana makes you lazy are only partily correct. While some strains do produce a "couch lock" or lazy feeling, typically Indica strains, some do the opposite.  For example, a Sativa dominate strain by the name of Blue Bayou is actually known to leave users feeling creative and energetic.

While I approve of easing up on marijuanna laws, I feel like this sort of sets a bad precident. Yeah I get that I am fearing a slippery slope which is kinda pointless, but state governments have been incredibly willing to look at federal law and go "LOL nope!" as of late. Look at abortion and voter ID laws for example.

"Hashish is just the trichomes (crystals) compressed into a block/roll. The trichomes are where the THC is actually produced. Trichomes that aren't compressed, as will often be collected in the bottom of grinders, is called 'keef'. Most people save this up to add to their bowls/joints." Could you elaborate on this please?GazaAli

What is smoked isn't the leaves, but the dried flowers (called 'buds'). Here they are still on the plant:

And here they are as you would purchase them, dried (cured) and removed from the rest of the plant (you're only buying the buds)

:

If you look closely you can see tiny little sparkles on the buds. These are the trichomes. The higher the potency, the more trichomes.

These below are of higher potency than the above:

Most people either pull the buds apart with their hands or use a grinder which usually has a 'keef screen' that allows those trichomes to fall into the bottom for collection, as any handling will result in some of them falling off. This is called 'keef' (or 'kief' or 'kif').

This can be collected and either directly added to your smoke load or compressed into hashish, as it is the most potent part of the plant.

Also M0zart I googled eponified and got saponify instead :PGazaAli

I had already edited it :P

While I approve of easing up on marijuanna laws, I feel like this sort of sets a bad precident. Yeah I get that I am fearing a slippery slope which is kinda pointless, but state governments have been incredibly willing to look at federal law and go "LOL nope!" as of late. Look at abortion and voter ID laws for example.

Serraph105

Is that suppose to be a bad thing? Not all federal laws are suitable for each and every state.  Some of these issues should of been left up to the state to decide from the beginning.  

Regardless of your main point here, I never really bought into this "alcohol is not that bad for you, think about wine, beer...etc". The whole idea of alcohol is getting wasted by consuming large quantities of any kind of alcoholic beverages. I never drank in my life so maybe I'm missing the point here. I imagine that if I ever started to drink I'd probably do it to get wasted other than that I don't see the point, which is why I'm refraining from doing it in the first place. I'll never be able to quit.GazaAli

If you think you can't handle alcohol, then by all means stay away from it. My grandfather was an alcoholic, and so when he quit he had to go cold turkey.

However, I don't think you really know what you're talking about because you never experiece it and it's largely frowned upon in your culture, lending you to a bit of a bias. A great many people I know drink wine and beer and never get wasted, and those that do are trying to do so in most cases. Drinking is a strictly social thing for me. If I'm not at dinner with friends or hanging out at a pub with them, there's no drinking. The only times I've been "drunk" are when that is what I set out to do. Well, outside of two instances: one in Mexico when I was slipped Everclear in of all things a Marguerita, and one in London when I drank some really potent Russian Vodka. And even in those cases, I stopped consuming as soon as I realized the potency. Basically, it's well within the control of most people.

If you think you can't handle alcohol, then by all means stay away from it. My grandfather was an alcoholic, and so when he quit he had to go cold turkey.

However, I don't think you really know what you're talking about because you never experiece it and it's largely frowned upon in your culture, lending you to a bit of a bias. A great many people I know drink wine and beer and never get wasted, and those that do are trying to do so in most cases. Drinking is a strictly social thing for me. If I'm not at dinner with friends or hanging out at a pub with them, there's no drinking. The only times I've been "drunk" are when that is what I set out to do. Well, outside of two instances: one in Mexico when I was slipped Everclear in of all things a Marguerita, and one in London when I drank some really potent Russian Vodka. And even in those cases, I stopped consuming as soon as I realized the potency. Basically, it's well within the control of most people.

m0zart

It's the same with weed: some people ruin the image of pot smokers for the rest of us.

Most people I know who smoke weed (and I know a lot) are professionals who own a house and take care of their shit, smoking in the evening after all their business is taken care of to relax and unwind.

The 'high all day, sitting around watching TV and passing out' image isn't what most pot smokers do. Sure, there are some, just as there are people like my brother who has to have vodka the moment his feet hits the floor in the morning and stays drunk till he passes out in the evening, but most people who drink do so quite a bit more responsibly than that.

Hell I just smoke because if I didn't, I'd never get any sleep (sans pharmas, and fvck those). You'll never find me stoned on the job or on a ladder (and most especially not behind the wheel).

[QUOTE="GazaAli"]Regardless of your main point here, I never really bought into this "alcohol is not that bad for you, think about wine, beer...etc". The whole idea of alcohol is getting wasted by consuming large quantities of any kind of alcoholic beverages. I never drank in my life so maybe I'm missing the point here. I imagine that if I ever started to drink I'd probably do it to get wasted other than that I don't see the point, which is why I'm refraining from doing it in the first place. I'll never be able to quit.m0zart

If you think you can't handle alcohol, then by all means stay away from it. My grandfather was an alcoholic, and so when he quit he had to go cold turkey.

However, I don't think you really know what you're talking about because you never experiece it and it's largely frowned upon in your culture, lending you to a bit of a bias. A great many people I know drink wine and beer and never get wasted, and those that do are trying to do so in most cases. Drinking is a strictly social thing for me. If I'm not at dinner with friends or hanging out at a pub with them, there's no drinking. The only times I've been "drunk" are when that is what I set out to do. Well, outside of two instances: one in Mexico when I was slipped Everclear in of all things a Marguerita, and one in London when I drank some really potent Russian Vodka. And even in those cases, I stopped consuming as soon as I realized the potency. Basically, it's well within the control of most people.

But I think you got me kind of wrong. I'd like to drink, in fact there were occasions when I felt an immense desire to drink. But the point I'm trying to make is that I will most likely not be able to stop if you catch my drift. I look at your drinking habit and I know mine won't be like this. I know that I will most likely drink alone and that I will certainly overindulge.I don't know how to put it but let's just say I'm going to be a more timid Hemingway LOLGazaAli

Heh ok. I was taking your statements as more cultural than personal. I have several Christian, Mormon, and Moslem friends who don't understand how drinking could be for anything other than getting drunk. They don't experience sit-down meals when people all have wine, and yet stop at one to three glasses, so they lack the context.

Some people judge the situation entirely by their own habits as well -- my grandfather believes drinking is all bad no matter who is doing it simply because he wasn't able to handle it. He's baffled when I drink wine or beer at a meal and don't go any further. It breaks his paradigm -- yet he never lets it disillusion him of his convictions on the matter. I think part of it is just his fear that admitting such a thing might lead him back into it.

If you think you'd be a self-destructive alcoholic, and it isn't cultural, then it is probably best never to start.

[QUOTE="mahlasor"]

  I think this is a good article, http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1808 it effects your brain, not your body.  One thing it does is replaces your neurotransmitters, so if you use this drug recreationally, your brain stops producing it.  Kind of like steriods where it doesnt necessarily show harmful effects right away, but over time.  Alcohal being way worst is subjective, alcohol (think wine) is great for you in small doses.  From my real world experience dealing with people who talk about how they are drug users, there is one glaring thing I dont like.  They are careless people, not able to deal with stress nearly as effectively.  

GazaAli

  That is what your crazy college student uses alcohol for, but me, I use it to help myself relax at night, so I can fall asleep easier.  Sometimes my heart just wont stop beating because of stressors.  It is helpful to note that there are probably marijuana types that are the really bad ones, unnatural marijuana.  Alcohol is not addictive at all, in fact beer and wine are not things you want to just gulp down.  I am not sure why some people get drunk, it leaves a bad taste in your mouth.  There is a reason those people get those headaches, that is because they are really dehydrated!