Originally Posted by mfqr
Legalize. Why would you want it to be just decriminalized? So if you get caught you would still have to pay a fine? What is you reasoning behind decriminalization over legalization? Is it because you think there would be a "fucked up" generation, like Nocturnal Stoner stated? I don't think there would be. I'm pretty sure that in the long-run the usage would stay the same... and yes, there have been studies to determine a possible trend of usage in the future if it were legalized. They all say that the usage might spike for a short period of time, but then decline back to normal, if not lower.
All of you who want it decriminalized: you would rather have cannabis still be in the hands of drug dealers, who could still adulterate it, or sell shitty schwag? Why would you want that? If it was legalized, it would be regulated, and thus there would be quality control.
Many of you might say that it's because it would be taxed. Don't jump to conclusions. Of course it will be taxed, but do you actually think that the price would be higher than it is now? People paying $600 per oz in some parts of the country? You fail to realize that the black market can inflate prices hundreds, if not thousands of times the value of a substance that would otherwise be cheap, even if taxed. Point is, even if it was legalized and taxed heavily, it would still be cheaper than it is now. Not only that, but there wouldn't be a huge regional price difference. Medical Cocaine (yes, it exists) costs $20 per kilo, and this is high quality cocaine. How much does a kilo of high quality cocaine cost on the black market? Do the math. You may argue that cannabis clubs in California charge a shitload of money for their medical bud, but you have to realize that it is not fully legal... it's semi-legal, and the people running it are still risking their freedom.
Decriminalization sucks. The prices would stay the same, which are ridiculous prices at that. There would be no quality control. Cannabis could still be adulterated by assholes. If caught, you'd get a fine and a misdemeanor charge. How is this so much better when compared to full legalization?
Full legalization: The prices would be much lower, even when taxed heavily. There would be quality control, and thus everyone could get very good weed, and there would not be adulterants in the herb. You wouldn't get "caught" for it, thus no fine, and no punishment of any kind. I really don't understand why people would rather have it be decriminalized.
How about legalization with a regulatory system like used with alcohol. How about the freedom to grow this healing herb without being afraid of Big Brother? How about legalization? Come on now, this "decriminalization" concept is bullshit. The real idea behind it is to get it decriminalized first, and then legalized. It's a stepping stone, not a permanent solution.
SMOKEnCHOKE: Oh yeah, that's a real valid reason for decriminalization or keeping it at the status quo. I think you're being sarcastic, but if you aren't, then I feel very sorry for you.