Seattle Times endorsing marijuana legalization bill

Jake2002 said on March 20, 2011 at 8:09 PM

Pot heads and people who smoke cannabis aren't the same. If you have a drink every once in a while does that make you an alcoholic? If you are in favor of keeping cannabis illegal for safety reasons you better also be protesting alcohol, tobacco and 95% of pharmaceuticals. 99% of people who are against it simply have their facts wrong about the plant, they have bought into the reefer madness, it's a shame really.

treeclimber said on February 25, 2011 at 5:55 PM

{i speak the truth) i have lived around it and had to work around people who use it and i have seen the results of brain dead pot heads up close ,,for some people it is a laid back (hey man thats cool) drug, for others its i am hungry and sleepy.then there are those like my cousin and his friands at a fire works show hey man look at that one was really cool, this was during entermission with no fire works and they were still stareing skyward, pot has differn't effects on differnt people, the worst case is hallucination and being parinoid... so tell me the pot head truth what catagory do you belong in.

my98168 said on February 23, 2011 at 1:14 AM

The prohibition of marijuana has failed. More and more people are beginning to see through the lies and propaganda. Legalization is near. There is nothing in the constitution that says marijuana is illegal, so there is no reason we cant legalize it(10th amendment). There is absolutely no reason to believe that the cost of marijuana would increase if it was regulated and taxed (its currently way overpriced). Marijuana is very safe, it has a lower LD50 rating than most over the counter medication(look it up you'll see). The truth is hard to ignore. Legalization isn't just the smart thing to do but its also the right thing to do. "Marijuana prohibition is more than a practical failure; it has been a misuse of both taxpayer dollars and the government's authority over the people."

madcows said on February 22, 2011 at 4:50 PM

Yes, marijuana should be legal. It should not be compared to tobacco that kills 450,000 people each year, or alcohol which kills over 150,000 people each year. That's not counting 50 percent of all highway deaths and 65 percent of all murders that are alcohol related. Make pot legal, but keep it out of the liquor stores.

musikpal said on February 21, 2011 at 9:20 PM

The only good thing I see is it'll keep the vulnerable ones away from the drug dealers who try to offer stronger illegal drugs.

lsmith5870400119 said on February 21, 2011 at 7:26 PM

When the state get done taxing MJ, it will be cheaper to buy it off the street. There goes the theory of getting rid of the scumbag dealer.

11kiwis said on February 21, 2011 at 8:15 AM

This public debate reminds me of the scene in the movie "Traffic", starring Michael Douglas...all these politicians in a room , talking about ways to tackle the nation's drug demand, and the drug cartels....every politician has a drink in their hand. Another great line in the movie: A witness being guarded by cops before a trial, says to the cop , about drug crackdowns: " The problem with you , Monty, is that you know the futility of what you do........but you do it anyway." " I was floored to find out that Bing Crosby and Carl Sagan even smoked it, for crying out loud...and that travel guru Rick Steves supports it. He's traveled Europe for years, and he's not as closed-minded as the Americans posting here..... And to the people against this...don't worry...if it gets legalized, no one is going to make you smoke it. And you'd be surprised what up-standing citizens already are.

mrbandit said on February 21, 2011 at 6:49 AM

pretty funny how the gov, is turning to the so called drug users to bail out the state , what about our freedom , freedom of choice to make our own minds up to do what a free person does, they send our troops out for it but yet we live under this goofy goverment that tells us whats good or bad for us . make pot legal but dont think we should bail you all out , remberer were just stoners , we spend all are money munchies and dirt , right ! , this morning i read a add of some mooron how would rather ride with a drunk then someone that just smoked a joint , what a stupid thing to say , i almost got killed by one of them , and now from those plesant injurys i use marijuana to ease pain , i cant take prescripts due to side affects , any of them , so common people wise up ,heres a challange for all of you , go to youtube type in run from the cure , then watch the union the truth about getting high this may make you understand the that its not like think

aussieblue said on February 20, 2011 at 8:47 PM

As an Australian living in a city where Cannabis is decriminalised (our nation's capital, Canberra), I can say first hand that the sky is not going to fall. Our next step is for our government to regulate the sales and collect taxes. This would certainly help Australia financially and give the citizens a safer and healthier alternative to alcohol while also restricting by law the access to under 18 year olds. Your last 3 Presidents smoked Marijuana and yet for some deluded reason you think it's ok to put other responsible adults in a cage for their choice?? Put your ego and personal judgments aside and do what is RIGHT for your country!

ispeaktruth said on February 20, 2011 at 8:36 PM

it will make u money (and kill drug money = less guns=less murder=happy people) ive said the truth if u think im lie then look it up (AND MOST IMPORTANT IT WILL NOT HURT U)

ispeaktruth said on February 20, 2011 at 8:33 PM

@treeclimber u should study b4 u say somthing u no nothing about it takes 2-5 hours to kill a high

sibyl69 said on February 20, 2011 at 7:08 PM

God knows it's about time. Grow it, tax it, Balance the Budget.

treeclimber said on February 20, 2011 at 6:50 PM

Kate Rily can take the Seattle times and shove it ,We have State controlled drug stores that sell drugs. to open up public stores to the selling of hard core drugs is about the dumbest thing she could of come up with. only a pot head would come up with somthing like selling drugs in a supermarket, that's where she thinks the state liqur stores should be moved to. pot like alcohol is a mind altering drug.with big differnces the effects of alcohol can wear off in afew hours pot takes at least 24 hours.and kid,s that smokes dope at night go to school the next day still stoned ,,,...

unhappycamper said on February 20, 2011 at 5:46 PM

Not really interested in the sales of pot as we already have enough dead heads and dead beats, but if the state wants to put some brothels in the back room, as I understand former Gov. Dixie Lee Ray endorsed several years ago, well, that's something I could really get behind, so to speak.

serve said on February 20, 2011 at 1:47 PM

msgra - well then disregard the speed limit! Drive down I-5 at 110 MPH the wrong way. By all means don't let anyone tell you what to do!

msgra said on February 20, 2011 at 1:27 PM

It's called FREEDOM! That thing americans give a lot of lip service to but don't mean it. What they mean is you have the freedom to do what I tell you to do, B.S. A FREE adult in a FREE society has the right to choose for themselves. It's just like freedom of speech, americans talk about it but they don't believe in it, "you have the freedom to say what I agree with!" As Noam Chomsky said: "If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all." -- Noam Chomsky Same Goes for freedom of Choice "If we don't believe in the freedom to make life choices we despise (as long as they're not hurting someone else) we don't believe in Freedom at all" FREEDOM!

chronologic said on February 20, 2011 at 1:16 PM

The only reason it remains illegal is that billionaires wish to remain billionaires. There's only a handfull of neocons trying to keep it under wraps. The new marijuana legalization initiative has been assigned I-1135 by the Washington Office of the Secretary of State. Expect to be able to legally distribute petitions on the evening of Thursday, February 24th.

serve said on February 20, 2011 at 1:07 PM

All these posts have opened my eyes! My posts have been questioning the sanity of legalizing smoking pot when, among other things, smoking anything is discouraged for health & all kinds of reasons. Well, you have convinced me that I must be wrong, so I am going to get me some of this stuff & smoke it. I will smoke it in the house in front of the kids and grandkids (because there's nothing wrong with it & they think I'm great), and smoke it & drive (because it's not harmful), & smoke it before & after work, and at lunch time, so I can relax a little from all the stress of having to work. I won't need to walk in the sunshine, or jog for exercise, because I'll get all I want for myself from marijuana, and I might start drinking alcohol too - cause who cares - drugs are great. The dealer down the street is looking forward to undercutting the tax issue, and is gearing up to hit the streets with harder stuff, so will be a great friend of mine!

plutonomics said on February 20, 2011 at 1:02 PM

@jan09, you're statement alone shows you know nothing about the effects of marijuana.

savvysavizhere said on February 20, 2011 at 12:37 PM

Shut Seattle Times down! Bunch of idiots!

kitsappatriot said on February 20, 2011 at 10:47 AM

Oh and King 5 not all law enforcement supports drug prohibition I really suggest you talk to LEAP Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.

kitsappatriot said on February 20, 2011 at 10:46 AM

Spacedover I'm a conservative and support legalization. I know a ton of conservatives that do. You sit there and try to make this a liberal issue, when in fact it's you acting like a liberal. Tell how spending what has now become over a trillion dollars on the war on drugs a conservative stance? Prohibition has never worked, it only puts the cash into the hands of organized crime. This is historically been the case, and currently in the case. So congratulations you support terrorism.

freedomthinker said on February 20, 2011 at 9:32 AM

so much fail on drug facts and drug policy....it really does shock me every time i realize how many statist drones there are running about.

spacedover said on February 20, 2011 at 9:23 AM

The Times is forever promoting drugs now they think everyone should get involved and grow their own while the tax-payers continue to pick the tab for all the people who are out of control drug users. Why doesn't all the liberals and the press in King County start promoting gardens and get all these people to start feeding themselves for a change and stop promoting drugs in King County.

jan09 said on February 20, 2011 at 9:20 AM

I would like to encourage anyone who is against legalizing marijuana to cancel their subscription to the SEATTLE TIMES. We already have enough deaths from drinking and driving, we don't need a bunch of potheads out there as well. The times should be ashamed of themselves.

pkbagr said on February 20, 2011 at 9:13 AM

Legalize it! Don't criticize it! (Peter Tosh)

rob9805683794874 said on February 20, 2011 at 7:51 AM

It's no more dangerous than alcohol.

duncan20903 said on February 20, 2011 at 6:48 AM

Oh, by the way, We're not going anywhere. We're not going to quit enjoying cannabis. We have going on 98 years of supporting evidence that says you can't stop us. Toodles!

duncan20903 said on February 20, 2011 at 6:34 AM

You say driving while drugged has increased because of medical cannabis, and there is carnage and mayhem on the highways? That's the trouble with hysterical rhetoric, it's so often wrong, wrong, wrong. On 12/10/2010 SAMHSA published the results of a study of the incidence in "drugged" driving and was pleased to announce that the nation...wide incidence of "drugged" driving had declined by a statistically significant percentage. They were also pleased to announce that there was not even a single State which had suffered a statistically significant increase in the incidence of "drugged" driving. SAMHSA credited the nationwide statistically significant reduction in "drugged" driving to the 7 States which also enjoyed a statistically significant decreases in its incidence during the study's time frame.

steplaur said on February 20, 2011 at 5:57 AM

ABOUT TIME......Billons lose in law enforcement & court system...DONT WORK. Billons made by under ground markets (black money) WORKED WELL FOR THEM..... What give's you the right to tell me what to do with my body. I have been a user for over 40 years....guesswhat I maybe your doctor, fireman , lawyer or anyone .... Most of you who dont want it legal,dont have ANY idea about how big this market is100's billons NOT TAXED. THANKS ,SEATTLE TIMES

rnl52 said on February 20, 2011 at 12:11 AM

Regulate it, tax it, sell it.

barb10 said on February 19, 2011 at 11:49 PM

Might as well do this (sell mj in liquor stores; at least the state would reap some taxes on the sales, and it would keep lots of people out of jail and prison, and put dealers out of business. MJ is certainly no more destructive than alcohol and the state's been selling that for a long time.

ktothec said on February 19, 2011 at 11:24 PM

oh and mpeterson i've been smoking marijuana since junior high and graduated highschool with a 3.4 gpa

ktothec said on February 19, 2011 at 11:22 PM

it's just a matter of time..

speedracer said on February 19, 2011 at 10:57 PM

Where do I sign?

freedomthinker said on February 19, 2011 at 10:52 PM

you know legalized or not i will not smoke mass produced weed. small batch farmers FTW

plutonomics said on February 19, 2011 at 10:29 PM

@sleeved73...Actually, YOU'RE WRONG. The price will not change. As with any product in the world, the more you buy the cheaper is gets. The more competition/growers the cheaper it gets. Are you dumb enough to think the state will be paying full price? I'm pretty sure they will buying large quantities, more than you could ever hope to grow yourself. They won't pay more than 1000 a pound, and will triple up off the sale. Minus overhead. That leaves plenty of room for taxes.

mpetersen3921565 said on February 19, 2011 at 10:25 PM

This is a travesty! Have our legislators not thought about the message this gives our young people: that it's ok to use illegal drugs and that it's ok to violate Federal Law? Obviously we have the wrong people in Olympia. They need to visit Amsterdam and realize what it is really like to live in an area where marijuana use is legal and the smell permeates every public area. Perhaps they need to teach in classrooms where we have trouble with students who can't think because they are high on pot. Perhaps they need to see what a parent of a young adult like that needs to do to get help for their child who is addicted and whose life is out of control. I can't believe our legislatures are making this move and I really can't believe the Seatlle Times position on the issue. What can we do to fight this move? Veteran High School Teacher in the State of Washington

jgcimino said on February 19, 2011 at 10:18 PM

"what most in law enforcement believe -- that pot is a dangerous drug." Dude, that was awesome weasel wording. You should totally write for the World Weekly News. I would have said "The Onion" but it just wasn't funny. I don't know a single cop who would characterize marijuana itself as "dangerous." They all know a heavy end-user of pot is way less inclined to be violent than those using tic, sherm stick, crack, blow, booze, X, oxy, or hot karl. I've never recovered a body from a weed overdose. However, they seem to all agree that ganja is illegal. Accordingly, they take enforcement action as per their job description. Very often, they exercise "officer discretion" and let the perpetrator go, because really - who the deuce cares about pot? Changing the laws is cool, as enforcing marijuana laws is a waste of time and taxpayer money. But if you think cops think it's "dangerous," you're paranoid; likely from smoking too much marijuana.

amaysing said on February 19, 2011 at 10:05 PM

Emptynestr. You have a lot to learn. Opinion is the lowest form of human knowledge. It requires no understanding or accountability. You provide blather that is completely false. Alcohol is THE most destructive drug you can put in your body, of all of the popular ones. Heroin is lame in comparison. I ain't pulling this one out of nowhere. Years of work in class A urban emergency rooms taught me well. Let us sit down with a bottle of booze, i could have you dead in a half hour. Cancer? Cigarettes contain a carcenogen not contained in marijuana.

chadot said on February 19, 2011 at 9:57 PM

Definition of Insanity: Performing the same task over and over and expecting different results. May be worded differently but you get the jest. I smoke with Doctors (radiologist), Lawyers (DA), Missionaries (Africa) Director of Health Care Entity, self made millionaires and many other productive, honest, god-fearing Americans for over 20 years.

emptynestr said on February 19, 2011 at 9:17 PM

Comparing alcohol with marijuana is like comparing apples and oranges - actually they're less similar than that. Alcoholic beverages could be argued to actually have some nutritional value for the body. The mind-altering aspect of alcohol has to do with self-discipline - drinking too much. Marijuana has NO nutritional value - but it's mind-altering aspect is one of the selling points. Add to that that marijuana has the same carcinogens as tobacco. "Medical marijuana" makes as much sense as "medical tobacco." It's a cancer stick just like tobacco. Let's use carcinogens to heal people. Hm. I suspect only AFTER it's legalized that - woops - well golly - how 'bout that - it DOES cause cancer like tobacco after all. They take us for morons. Bad idea folk.

scott_bellevue said on February 19, 2011 at 8:55 PM

I pay taxes, and I've never taken any social welfare from the state. I finished college with three degrees. I work, I raise my family, I pay taxes, I vote, I participate in community charities and assist at school PTA functions. I smoke marijuana almost every day, and as a US citizen that votes, works, pays taxes and takes care of his family, it is my dream to one day smoke marijuana in the privacy of my own home without the fear of being arrested, and without the stigma of being called a criminal. I am American, and I want the government to leave my personal life alone. I want to be free from government oppression. I want the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness without the religious right telling me what to do. Nothing. Nothing could be more American.

tarzandaz said on February 19, 2011 at 8:27 PM

Hell yeas! its about time things started to changec

hourforum said on February 19, 2011 at 8:11 PM

There has NEVER been anyone to Overdose on pot. never. you can not get " too high". actually once someone reaches that stage , they can not " get higher". Unlike drinking. You can get a buzz, you can get drunk, you can get plastered. Smoking pot is no worse than smoking a cig, and surely no worse than drinking. It is time to have this legal

sleeved73 said on February 19, 2011 at 7:22 PM

Im going to say sorry now..I don't want to sound like a jerk But you people don't get it..SMOKERS WONT BUY OVER PRICED AND OUTRAGEOUSLY TAXED MARIJUANA...its a pipe dream you nonsmokers have...the first time someone hets taxes on a bAG....BACK TO THERE REGULAR GUY.. Seriously...and once again...im not gonna fill out a W-2 form...

203street said on February 19, 2011 at 7:19 PM

Just like Americans realized that slavery was bad. We are now realizing that marijuana is good : )

lenalise said on February 19, 2011 at 7:03 PM

I don't smoke marijuana, but I do know people who do. I've smoked it in the past, and in my experience, it's less dangerous than alcohol and cigarettes. I've supported legalizing marijuana for years now. It would add money to the state coffers through taxes, etc. and it would save our state money by not having to prosecute and jail users. Also, if legalized and sold through the state liquor stores, it would make it harder for those under the legal age to buy it. Another thing to consider is the lessening of violence in the illegal trade from local dealers to the Mexican cartels that supply the U.S.

mejane said on February 19, 2011 at 7:03 PM

I believe it is time for the legalization of marijuana. Legalize it with the regulations similar to the control of liquor.

sleeved73 said on February 19, 2011 at 6:56 PM

The state will tax it so much like they do everything else..then growers and buyers will do what they do now...buy it from medical growers and the street..and growers now aren't gonna fill out a W-2..lol..well I wont...and smokers wont pay 80 dollars for an 8th..its a stupid idea...

weddingbellblues said on February 19, 2011 at 6:50 PM

Sell it and tax it. Get the lowlifes off the street that are selling it. If they now try to sell it get them with tax evasion.

nicholenlarry said on February 19, 2011 at 6:37 PM

It is about time!!!

plutonomics said on February 19, 2011 at 5:15 PM

I'll just keep this simple. The people who already smoke weed will continue to obtain and smoke weed whether this passes or not. The question that you have to answer is, do you want the tax money or not? The last time I checked drug dealers don't pay taxes.

foo8foo said on February 19, 2011 at 4:37 PM

First off, cottonball, thank you. You make a greater case against legalization than I ever could. Second, the highway traffic safety administration reports drugs other than alcohol are responsible for 18% of traffic fatalities. Of all accidents, 7% are caused by people using marijuana. The real problem with this debate is the false facts promulgated by stoners who believe that legalization will validate their own poor life choices. Odd how you can't get through a day without hearing something about "raising awareness" or "education" about a given topic, except when it comes to marijuana, then they say "the bad things you hear are all lies and conspiracy". It's almost as if abusing pot makes you paranoid. Weird!

amaysing said on February 19, 2011 at 3:26 PM

Regarding the Feds.... no worries. they would have to drain their entire force of federal cops to make the tiniest bust in our state. then us people better be acting in a democracy atmosphere and let em have it. We people are stronger than some wimp assed archaic feds. Sure, they will threaten to cut off funding or something. we'll just go sell more totourist. the Cascadia nation might be the next reality if the feds mess with us. Actually, they will appreciate us as a social study and see what the reality is. they will back off. "nothing is a crime if it happens all the time" Only Us, by X-15

freedomthinker said on February 19, 2011 at 2:42 PM

serve "Rationalize .....all addicts do it. There should be no debate. We are held hostage by drug users (including alcohol). Free people can't live a free life because people won't quit drugs." ..........what definition of free are you using? no person can be free if simpletons keep jamming their (highly subjective) social mores on other people. in a truly free society you could not force me to abstain from a behavior that harms only me, any more than i could force you to partake...grab a dictionary old bean.

theopinion said on February 19, 2011 at 2:41 PM

don't you love how the corporate media continue to tell us things that are not accurate. in this article it is stated that most of law enforcement is against the legalization of marijuana, it must have been a simple oversight to not mention L.E.A.P. (law enforcement against prohibition). when there is a gathering of citizens believing that marijuana should be legalized the media is always using the individual that fits the Cheech and Chong image of smoking weed, never the white bread urban office worker that wears a tie and drives a car worth more then most of us make in a year, they are out there. think for yourself, don't let the corporate media that excepts money for advertisements from corporations that are lobbying against us having more freedoms, tell you how to think!!!

amaysing said on February 19, 2011 at 2:29 PM

cottonball, YOUR DOCTOR IS A QUACK! REPORT HIM.

cottonball said on February 19, 2011 at 2:24 PM

IT'S ABOUT TIME THAT THE PEOPLE BE TREATED LIKE WE LIVE IN A FREE COUNTRY AND BE ABLE TO DO AS WE WANT WHEN IT COMES TO SMOKING MARIJUANA, IN MY OPINION ALCOHOL IS MORE HARMFUL TO THE BODY AND MORE MIND ALTERING THAN MARIJUANA BUT IT'S LEAGAL, I'VE NEVER HEARD OF ANYONE SMOKING POT AND GETTING IN THEIR CAR AND RUNNING SOMEONE OVER. THEY SAY POT IS A DANGEROUS DRUG BECAUSE IT LEADS TO OTHER MORE HARMFUL DRUGS, I THINK THIS IS HOGWASH, I WAS ABLE TO SMOKE FOR OVER 30 YEARS STRAIGHT, 3 GRAMS A DAY, BECAUSE IT HELPED WITH CRONIC PAIN, I WAS ABLE TO QUIT COLD TURKEY, BECAUSE MY DOCTOR WANTS ME TO TAKE A DRUG, METHADONE, FOR MY CRONIC PAIN THAT HAS MORE SIDE AFFECTS TO MY MIND AND BODY THAN MARIJUANA, HE SAY'S IF I SMOKE POT HE'LL TERMINATE ME FROM ALL CARE IN HIS OFFICE, BUT IF I DRINK ALCOHAL THATS OK, I DON'T FEEL THAT IT'S RIGHT FOR SOMEONE TO TELL YOU WHAT YOU CAN OR CAN'T DO, I THOUGHT THIS WAS A FREE COUNTRY. IT'S TIME THEY LEAGALIZE MARIJUANA.

h8red42 said on February 19, 2011 at 2:21 PM

visit the face book page"Washington house bill 1550"check out the you tube video(on the page)there is a link in the info part of the face book page where you can contact your representative.

serve said on February 19, 2011 at 1:06 PM

Rationalize .....all addicts do it. There should be no debate. We are held hostage by drug users (including alcohol). Free people can't live a free life because people won't quit drugs.

scott_bellevue said on February 19, 2011 at 12:37 PM

This may be at odds with the Federal law, but the federal law is at odds with the people of the United States, and always has been. Marijuana is the ONLY drug that was made illegal purely for racial and financial reasons (hemp products competed with Dupont's polyester patent, and wood pulp for paper). This is the ONLY drug that was made illegal, where congressional testimony showed zero evidence of harm from the drug. Instead Anslinger and others testified that "it makes white women want to fornicate with black men", and other racially loaded claims. The federal law was passed in protest of the American Medical Association, and hemp farmers. It was also passed just four years after the end of prohibition, by staunch prohibitionists who needed a new cause. And now, after over 70 years of government propaganda, people actually believe the generations of government propaganda. It's time to end 70 years of this racist prohibitionist law and move on to more important social issues.

amaysing said on February 19, 2011 at 12:05 PM

it is about time..... now it is just a matter of doing it right.. the main thing, we have THE best underground scientific botanists in the world. We cannot lose them. I see comments below that are really drawing for straws in fear. Statements that really have no bearing on anything. Try this FACT. Alcohol IS the most harmful recreational drug you can put in your body. Heroin? not near the effect. Etheyl alcohol. You are drinking a solvent that soaks every part of your body. My work in class A emergency rooms in urban environment sure let me compare everything from a social, physiological, etc. standpoint. Comparing Marijuana to anything else is like saying aspirin and morphine are the same thing... Anyway, do it right. full on commercialization. Top quality scientific botany growth. The stuff is NOT easy to grow properly. We are known world wide for our excellence.

gods1hitman said on February 19, 2011 at 11:57 AM

Being a retired UWPD cop, I was always somewhat alone in my belief that marijuana should be legalized. I never arrested anyone for possession in my 27 years and I firmly believe that legalization would provide for taxation, take away the enormous drug lord profits and thus end this futile, no-win battle. (Naturally, driving under the influence would equate to alcohol.) I would have thought that we would have learned this when prohibition was eliminated. (Even Elliot Ness eventually saw the light.) I sincerely hope that this passes and that we can then better direct our law enforcement. R. Adams

rsouth said on February 19, 2011 at 11:29 AM

legaizing pot is at odds.yet pot is not a dangerous drug. so let us move on with life

serve said on February 19, 2011 at 11:26 AM

What happens to all those in drug treatment? They don't have a problem?

goonessa said on February 19, 2011 at 11:23 AM

Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base - Institute of Medicine.

foo8foo said on February 19, 2011 at 11:22 AM

Not that 11 different psychoactive ingredients isn't worrisome in and of itself.

foo8foo said on February 19, 2011 at 11:16 AM

gonessa - citation for that? There are separate immunological and neurological receptors. Are there published affinity constants of the typical CB2 ligands for the CB1 proteins? My assumptions was cannabinoid ligand driven, not receptor driven, i.e. being a CB2 receptor does not preclude affinity for CB1.

goonessa said on February 19, 2011 at 11:06 AM

@foo8foo: Sorry, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is THC. In marijuana, there are 11 Tetrahydrocannabinol variants. The other 55 cannabinoids are NOT psychoactive.

goonessa said on February 19, 2011 at 11:01 AM

@jeff32golfing831: Correct. HB1550 would be to legalize it and tax recreational usage which by all means, absolutely. General consensus is, with the number of recreational users that are existing today, please legalize it, regulate it, and tax it. There is much money to be made in that industry on so many levels. Legalize it and remove that source of income from the thugs and allow this industry to flourish to provide more jobs and a revenue source for the state. HB1100 further defines the medicinal marijuana laws and provides more specificity to a law that desperately needed further clarification for those that are ill and it also keeps it as a non-taxable medicine. This is how it should be. It also further defines that any manufacturers, processors and distributors shall be licensed with the Department of Agriculture. This also was a needed specification in order to drive the illegal growers out of business and put revenue from the licensing back into the State.

foo8foo said on February 19, 2011 at 10:50 AM

Alcohol contains one major psychoactive ingredient. Ethanol. Cigarettes contain one major psychoactive ingredient. Nicotine. Marijuana contains at lease 66 psychoactive ingredients in the cannabinoid family alone, each of which may have different effects. Marijuana is not "the same", particularly from a neurological perspective.

jeff32golfing831 said on February 19, 2011 at 10:45 AM

do people in washington realize that about 50 percent of us smoke marijuana anyways,and that the government could make millions if not more.it would only tax the user.

goonessa said on February 19, 2011 at 10:43 AM

Hear, hear doctork. Thank you.

duncan20903 said on February 19, 2011 at 10:40 AM

Regardless of any purported physical harms, cannabis should not be illegal. We do not make things illegal because they are physically deleterious or McDonald's would be out of business. We do not make things illegal because they are addictive, or RJ Reynolds would be a distant memory. We do not make things illegal because they get you high, or Jim Beam would be homeless on the street corner. It's none of your damm business what I choose to do in the privacy of my own home.

aussiemini said on February 19, 2011 at 10:38 AM

There are many positive and a couple negative aspects to legalization of marijuana: POSITIVE: 1. Free law enforcement (from Border Patrol thru local), courts and jails to concentrate on more serious drug offenders. 2. Control growing, content, distribution/sales (regulation). 3. Tax growers, distributors and sales (at state liquor stores). 4. Reverse the drain on our economy. There is a reason retailers have spent so much money in efforts to change our laws so they can sell liquor---MONEY! 5. If marijuana is not served in bars, as I believe, we may see a drop in alcohol/drug related crashes. If not consumed in bars, where will it be most used---at home. Perhaps leading to reduced highway fatalities. 6. Prohibition did not work. NEGATIVE: 1. It has been said marijuana use leads to hard drugs. This may be true in a few cases, but I doubt these folks are waiting around for laws to change before they start using. 2. OK, I'm thinking......

doctork said on February 19, 2011 at 10:37 AM

Great call by the Seattle Times! Canna-business will grow and flourish, regardless of all the obstacles thrown it way. From the Holistic point of view Cannabis is markedly pro-evolutionary, as it increases appetite, induces rest, suppresses violent urges and enhances sexual experience. Cannabis is not physically addictive, as it lacks the documented "physical withdrawal" syndrome, necessary for a physical dependence determination. The so-called "gateway drug" theory has already been determined to be invalid, and the recent scientific study declared it "half-baked". Drug Marinol is NOT medical marijuana (and it would seem that any reasonable person would understand this), as the whole plant has over 70 active compounds, therapeutically interacting with one another in many intricate and complex ways. It is very important to stress again and again that Cannabis use, as opposed to alcohol use, suppresses violent urges and behaviors, a very important consideration in our society!

11kiwis said on February 19, 2011 at 10:37 AM

A long time ago in 1985, a neighbor of mine made a comment I'll never forget: " If people smoked pot instead of drinking , there would be a lot less alcoholism in this country."

goonessa said on February 19, 2011 at 10:37 AM

The studies regarding smoked marijuana (as much as I am against smoking it) have been inconclusive on whether it causes cancer. More studies have shown that marijuana has beneficial properties. Alcohol and tobacco are indeed more dangerous and teens do abuse those two drugs on a regular basis. It is true; the thugs and drug dealers are currently regulating and financially gaining from marijuana being illegal. The police force dollars and court dollars are spent arresting and prosecuting people for simple possession. Legalizing marijuana will help with driving prices down and making it affordable and driving the profitability for illegal growers down. It will make it safer for patients who are in dire need for this medicine to go to dispensaries to get their medicine. Without government legalization, regulation and taxation on this product, it will perpetuate a profitable revenue source for the thugs out there who are taking advantage of fixed income patients.

gottabebacon said on February 19, 2011 at 10:33 AM

The Gateway theory is intriguing. It's never explained if it's a gateway as in it always inspires use of other drugs or is it more like training-wheels for those in the physical, psychological and societal position for taking more powerful drugs? I've known one person that used marijuana in conjunction with more powerful drugs but pot didn't come first and for the bulk of my acquaintances they tired of pot long ago and if they ever did use more powerful drugs it didn't become an addiction or even ongoing temptation. It may be a gateway drug, but for the addictive personalities not the mainstream.

flessons said on February 19, 2011 at 10:31 AM

i think it is great that they are willing to give it a chance at being legal.It should work out good so long as the federal government dosent step in and tell washington state what to do to.My thought has always been that people who smoke marijuana are going to wether its legal or not and its been proven and so maybe now we can put real criminals behind bars and not destroy peoples lives over some weed usage.I think cigareetes are worse and alcohol.I vote yes in support of this bill.Good luck to all.

aviellabara said on February 19, 2011 at 10:28 AM

I bleieve that marijuana should be legalized and taxed. It is the same as ciggarettes and alcohol.

hourforum said on February 19, 2011 at 10:27 AM

I would vote yes to this bill. I think that this Bill should be named after Washington states first medical cannabis patient Mr. Dennis Moyers. There are simply to many people in jail right now for minor possession of this, than there are hardened criminals. Seattle Times, thank you for supporting this. Yes, the state budget can be helped by the sale, but I also believe that the average person if they wanted to have the same amount by weight as a carton of smokes for example IN THEIR HOME should NOT be charged with a crime. This is a good idea. The Reason why it became illegal to begin with is the PHARMACYs back in the day could not sell it because too many were buying it. Back in the 1800s, the Federal Gvt demanded farmers grow hemp on their farms. President Washington even- smoked it. get some good history lessons people, vote for this, it is good for washington. The ever GREEN state

duncan20903 said on February 19, 2011 at 10:25 AM

I've got a better question: What's wrong with mind your own business? Have we become a nation that can't cope without butting into and micromanaging the affairs of others?

duncan20903 said on February 19, 2011 at 10:25 AM

----- "What's wrong with natural? Have we become a nation that can't cope without drugs?" -----

11kiwis said on February 19, 2011 at 10:22 AM

Our governor said some the recent cuts she had to make, because of the state budget deficit, broke her heart, and haunted her conscience. I shook my fist at the tv, and said " Then legalize pot, and TAX IT !" What happened recently at the prison in Monroe , is a red flag that our system is crumbling from lack of adaquate staffing. It breaks my heart that those teachers may not get thoses bonuses they worked so hard for, and when I hear about cuts in schools, law enforcement, and the fire department. It's 2011, people. It's a weed that grows out of the ground. People die every day as a result of alcohol and tobacco abuse, and those are both legal. Innocent people are killed by drunk drivers, and cigarettes left buring in residences. " It'll lead to harder drugs!", is weak argument, and a load of cr*p. Pass the bill. Congrats to the Seattle Times for taking a stand. The state desperately needs the money.

kojiden said on February 19, 2011 at 10:19 AM

Just because something is criminalized doesn't mean that people stop doing it. All it does is allows criminals to regulate it instead of politicians.

foo8foo said on February 19, 2011 at 10:16 AM

I agree. Lack of formatting is troublesome. Pope, H.G., Gruber, A.J., Hudson, J.I., Huestis, M.A., Yurgelun-Todd, D. Neuropsychological performance in long-term cannabis users. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 58(10), 909–915, 2001. Moore, T.H., Zammit, S., Lingford-Hughes, A., Barnes, T.R., Jones, P.B., Burke, M., Lewis, G. Cannabis use and risk of psychotic or affective mental health outcomes: A systematic review. Lancet, 370(9584), 319–328, 2007. Mittleman, M.A., Lewis, R.A., Maclure, M., Sherwood, J.B., Muller, J.E. Triggering myocardial infarction by marijuana. Circulation, 103(23), 2805–2809, 2001. Tashkin, D.P. Smoked marijuana as a cause of lung injury. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis, 63(2), 92–100, 2005. Gruber, A.J., Pope, H.G., Hudson, J.I., Yurgelun-Todd, D. Attributes of long-term heavy cannabis users: A case control study. Psychological Med, 33(8), 1415–1422, 2003.

challenger16 said on February 19, 2011 at 10:09 AM

Woops, I Meant to say LEGALIZE It!!!!!!

konner said on February 19, 2011 at 10:07 AM

foo8foo ITS MAY CHOICE ITS MY BODY! I SHOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE MY OWN CHOICES! ALCOHOL IS JUST AS BAD AND NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT BEING LEGAL. WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE EVENTUALLY AND WE SHOULD ALL BE ABLE TO LIVE OUR LIVES THE WAY WE WANT!!! WE DO LIVE IN AMERICA RIGHT? NOT CHINA!!! PEOPLE NEED TO KEEP THEIR BIG NOSES OUT OF OTHER PEOPLES PERSONAL DECISIONS!!!!

challenger16 said on February 19, 2011 at 10:04 AM

There is so much evidence that the Booze our State controls and sells causes devastating situations such and fatal car accidents, depression which leads to so many suicides, the destruction of families, illnesses and I could go on and on. If I had my way, alcohol would be illegal and Pot would be legal. What is our State so afraid of when I comes legalizing Marijuana? Let's get it done and if someone knows about any petitions that need to be signed or what need to be done to get it legalized, I am willing to get out there and do whatever it takes to follow through with getting it LEAGALIZED!!!!

goonessa said on February 19, 2011 at 10:02 AM

Excerpt from Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base - Institute of Medicine Not surprisingly, most users of other illicit drugs have used marijuana first. In fact, most drug users begin with alcohol and nicotine before marijuana— usually before they are of legal age. In the sense that marijuana use typically precedes rather than follows initiation of other illicit drug use, it is indeed a “gateway” drug. But because underage smoking and alcohol use typically precede marijuana use, marijuana is not the most common, and is rarely the first, “gateway” to illicit drug use. Then google: Cannabidiol tetrahydrocannabinol are neuroprotective antioxidants Google: Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug So if I'm wrong, I suppose all the above educated people who performed these educated studies are incorrect as well.

konner said on February 19, 2011 at 10:00 AM

johnholder I agree 100% !!!!!!!!! and the state could make millions, and be out of debt !! in my opinion the only people who dont want it legal are the ones who want to control what everyone else dose and its NOT their place to tell other ADULTS what to do.

duncan20903 said on February 19, 2011 at 9:57 AM

Well if you can muddle through my last two posts clearly demonstrate that the heart attack study is being transmogrified into something it isn't when the Know Nothings include it in a piece of hysterical rhetoric. It's also par for the course. Lying is just part and parcel of being a prohibitionist. They're absolutely despicable, morally bankrupt people.

duncan20903 said on February 19, 2011 at 9:50 AM

Lack of formatting sucks.

johnholder said on February 19, 2011 at 9:49 AM

Put an age limit on it, tax it, and legalize it. I think we're smart enough to make our own decisions. Remember, alcohol has long term effects too and it's legal. PASS

duncan20903 said on February 19, 2011 at 9:48 AM

From the "scientists" at the National Institutes of Health: “Marijuana users have a blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Be smart. Be healthy. Get the facts. (sic)" What in the world makes you think that quoting the rantings of bald faced liars with an ulterior agenda is proof of anything? No links to the studies they claim said the discredited nonsense in your post? The heart attack study was a knee slapper. There were 9 obese, tobacco smoking men that they used to come up with their meaningless 500%. Want to see? Unlike the ONDCP, I back up my claims with citations. Next post I'm out of room here. It was my birthday yesterday and as always my sister in law gave me a Powerball ticket, so I have a chance to with mad stacks of Benjamins. If I walk up to the 7-11 and buy 5 more I will have increased my chance of winning by 500%, but still wouldn't have the proverbial snowball's chance. 'Nuff said.

gottabebacon said on February 19, 2011 at 9:48 AM

If the criterion for legal alcohol consumption is applied to marijuana then it should also be legal for adult use. There a many historical and political reasons for keeping it illegal, but health reasons are absurd since those reasons are applied inconsistently and based on bias. Anyone who's actually used it knows the short term physical effects are far less than alcohol, no hangover, no passing out and in general the effect is mellowing where alcohol can result in very aggressive behavior. Long term health effects are probably not good for either intoxicant, as with anything that's an irritant to the system. Yes it should be legal for adult use, but doubtful that the quality and potency of what the state sells will satisfy the pot aficionado, and they will continue to seek the independent suppliers for better quality. End the hypocrisy and the expense of enforcing user laws against adults over 21.

justjack said on February 19, 2011 at 9:44 AM

Make it legal to purchase. Have states controls and tax it heavily where the monies go towards making other lives better. Enough of putting people in jails for years just for a simple marijuana violation. Make it legal and put the controls on the state and clean up a lot of petty crimes.

pete276696418877 said on February 19, 2011 at 9:34 AM

I don't agree with the mandatory jail and fines that go along with this...But SHEEPLE, look at Amsterdam and Portugal before you keep spouting the Gateway and higher usage non-facts. It always amazes me how people that have never tried something are such experts. Just what your government wants form you, you are good SHEEPLE.

layteebugg said on February 19, 2011 at 9:25 AM

Just legalize it....maybe there will be a lot less negative, narrow minded, angry people, that have never smoked it in their life making their negative comments. I bet if they had pain, illness or anger issues, a joint would help them. You don't hear in the news about car accidents because they were altered by pot, but look at all the lives lost over drunk driving. Legalize pot, what the hell! Don't know until it happens. -_-*

serve said on February 19, 2011 at 9:23 AM

foo8foo - YES!!!

sweetflower said on February 19, 2011 at 9:20 AM

i have seen the destruction of alcohol. it has killed my brother and affected many others in my life. i have NEVER seen anyone black out, throw up, have the detox shakes, and i have never heard of ANYONE dying from smoking marijuana. for recreational or medical purpose's!! it is hard for me to see the hesitation to legalize marijuana when most of the killing or crime is related to the underground selling and growing of it. if we take that away we will have less crime,and more controll of the product and distribution. we will save more tax payers money on lock up and arrests. .. it is so sad to me that we will spend the tax payers money on new roads leading to jails and prisons instead of education. portugal has the most liberal drug laws and it works. they spend money on recovery and redemption instead of incarceration. teach our children young and let then make their own decisions as a adult and hope they dont choose ALCOHOL!!!

foo8foo said on February 19, 2011 at 9:18 AM

From the scientists at the National Institutes of Health: “Marijuana users have a 4.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack. A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Marijuana smoke contains 50–70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke. Marijuana smokers show dysregulated growth of epithelial cells in their lung tissue, which could lead to cancer. Several studies associate workers’ marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers’ compensation claims, and job turnover.” Please do not believe the propaganda, seek out the scientific research reports from NIH and NIDA. The bottom line - MJ causes many long-term health problems including severe mental illness. Be smart. Be healthy. Get the facts.

littlehut2004 said on February 19, 2011 at 9:18 AM

its about time pass pass pass pass pass the state needs the income/instead of the drug lords--the stae can save alot and make alot pass pass pass pass

epfanatik said on February 19, 2011 at 9:17 AM

this shouldn't even be up for DEBATE!!! it's a simple no brainer!!! Legalize it and TAX the BEJESUS out of it......and no, I don't even use it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But I do smoke cigarettes and I have to pay tax on that!!......the State NEEEEEDS this!! I vote H*LL YA!!!

ringer said on February 19, 2011 at 9:17 AM

Fact HB1550 will not see light of day. Your Rep will not sign on. Mine won't. The alternative is Initiative-1135. Sign the petition. Pass it. Then the people will have spoken and the legislature will have to make the laws governing it, shouldn't be a problem because HB1550 already has the regulations spelled out.

tripod44 said on February 19, 2011 at 9:17 AM

As long as we continue to overtly sell beer and wine in mass quantities on tv, right in front of our children, then our current marijuana laws ar both archaic and immoral. I don't use pot, but it's far past time we stop spending our tax dollars on hunting down and prosecuting people doing the same exact thing drinkers do. I salute the Seattle Times for endorsing this bill. Hopefully the majority of our legislature will have the balls to step up and admit this is way overdue. Get it done!

nutter3nutter said on February 19, 2011 at 9:16 AM

I feel sorry for those people who have not done their homework saying it is not harmful too people for ex. most of you say get stone and beat your wife .. your right that person isn't high from smoking and beating his wife. It happen when his mother was smoking and preg. screwed him up before he even had to get high on his own so I would say yes pot can and does cause solical abuse if you smokers want to admit it or is your choice. I'm not saying I'm one of thoses saints because i have done my share of dumbsh... also if we legalize it how is lew enforcement going to tell when you last smoked it since it stays in the body for awhile ..... sounds like too me people will be working and driving maybe one of our dr. smoked out the night before he had to open you up at the hospital to fix you... not sound too great now is it.

serve said on February 19, 2011 at 9:16 AM

goonessa - everything you stated is wrong.

epfanatik said on February 19, 2011 at 9:15 AM

to the person that said something about "taking a couple of Bong hits before work".......REALLY????? would you sit down and drink a six pack of beer before work??????...................it's called COMMON SENSE!!!

phage said on February 19, 2011 at 9:11 AM

Yes - Legalize marihuana

goonessa said on February 19, 2011 at 8:57 AM

Legalize it, govern it, sell it, and tax it. Stop shutting down our educational systems, stop cutting back on our law enforcement and cutting medicare benefits. Sell and tax marijuana, put the thugs out of business, put the revenue earned from sales and tax into balancing our budget and put back into the medical benefits for people who are already suffering but going without the necessary health care they need. Marijuana is not dangerous, the true gateway drugs are alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco kill far more people than Marijuana through use and abuse. Anyone who has died from Marijuana is because of the war on drugs and keeping it illegal, not because of use and abuse. Teens use and abuse alcohol and tobacco yet those drugs are legal and sold. Alcohol and tobacco are far more addicting with repercussions that can be far more damaging than marijuana has ever proven to be.

duncan20903 said on February 19, 2011 at 8:56 AM

. .

If you had a basic grasp of the foundational facts of the subject you might have a chance of understanding it.

Basic fact #1: Fire is not required or desired to enjoy cannabis. It wasn't until the 20th century and prohibition until people started smoking cannabis. For reference, for less than $15 at Amazon you can buy a copy of "The Hasheesh Eater" by Fitz Hugh Ludlow first published in 1857. Mr. Ludlow does a wonderful job of documenting how people enjoyed cannabis in the 1850s, and of the very popular hash parlors that operated in every major American city. You might also learn what a non-problem an environment without prohibition is.

Cannabis is not cigarette tobacco. It is a simple minded conflation to view them as fungible and demonstrates a gross ignorance of this issue.

cabotville said on February 19, 2011 at 8:54 AM

"If you legalize it, then the growers, the distributors, they become part of the regulated system where law enforcement has more control," said Kate Riley with The Seattle Times. This statement sounds like a way to collect more Taxes, no prevention here. The above statement taken from the article is just an excuse to cover up the lack of wanting to stop drugs being sold on our streets as well as coming into the country. This will encourage the use of drugs and increase demand, which in turn will allow more drugs to enter our Country, because there will be an increased demand. What is needed would be for the Justice system to step up ways of punishing users and in order to eliminate Dealers by removing them from the streets forever. If you compare Marijuana with liquor why would you want to but another drug on the streets? It makes no sense you need to control the use of liquor or any substance that causes problems as well as deaths.

serve said on February 19, 2011 at 8:53 AM

What's wrong with natural? Have we become a nation that can't cope without drugs?

filfret17 said on February 19, 2011 at 8:51 AM

h**l yes pot should be legal ! It should of been long ago, as is alcohol, that kills people on our roads everyday,I believe people would be less likely to want to smoke and drive . as with both, to much is not a good thing, but we should be allowed to pick our poison,and no, we should not smoke it before work or at lunch,that would be dangerous. I quit smoking it because of my job of 24 years(p tests), but now I'm in my 50s, I would love to come home and light up once in a while to take away the body's pain and life's mental control and maybe laugh at something that ain't that funny ( most comedy on TV). yup , help cut the deficit, I'm all for it, with no more p tests for it when it is legal, but under the influence at work or driving should not be tolerated as with alcohol...thankyou......

pete276696418877 said on February 19, 2011 at 8:42 AM

I just remebered, with the State wanting to do away with liquor stores and all...Maybe they will end up selling Pot at 7-11.

sarah2007 said on February 19, 2011 at 8:40 AM

All i hear on the new is lets cut this lets cut that take the money from the drug dellers and put it back in to the state.Have you ever heard of someone getting stoned and betting there wife. NO YOU HAVENT

brexcavator said on February 19, 2011 at 8:39 AM

Cocaine, Opiates, and Amphetamines are sold at every supermarket pharmacy in plain view of the alcohol, tobacco and fatty food aisles. No one is going to force anyone to smoke marijuana, we just don't want to go to prison and leave our families as wards of the state to enjoy a plant instead of a fermented beverage after a hard day's work. To each his own is what my grandmother always told me.

duncan20903 said on February 19, 2011 at 8:29 AM

Well I'm going the opposite direction, and I'm demanding that the government protect me from myself. If we're going to have a nanny state then doggone it I want to be nannied. Somehow people seem to think that drinking alcohol is different, that it isn't a mind melting and highly addictive drug that should by all rights be on Schedule 1 by any reasonably coherent reading of the DEA’s scheduling criteria. Sorry Mr. Linkletter, the fact that some people who use drinking alcohol don’t use it to get high is not a mitigating factor, just like the fact that some people use hemp for stuff that doesn’t get you high isn’t important. The fact that a supermajority of the country prefers one particular MAD over others is not on the DEA list for consideration in the matter of scheduling. THE LAW IS THE LAW!

crabfisherman said on February 19, 2011 at 8:28 AM

lets be practical. It's a weed that grows out of the ground, Does no real harm to your body. Too much alcohol can kill. Marijuana will kill an all you can eat buffet. The deficit needs to be reduced. Public programs need to be saved. Pass house bill 1550.

pete276696418877 said on February 19, 2011 at 8:26 AM

"And to the person who said drug dealers would be cheaper than the state store, I honestly dont see that happening do you have some place where you can go get alcohol cheaper? " Obviously YOU have never grown pot....It is much easier than making Moonshine, and actually Larry the Cable guy just had cheaper liquor on one of his shows. Guess down south, moonshine is still a problem. Just decriminalize!

pete276696418877 said on February 19, 2011 at 8:21 AM

Like someone already said, the Dealers will undersale the State the State is too greedy, instead watch for I-1135 and sign it for decriminalization.

unhappy said on February 19, 2011 at 8:19 AM

did'nt help California..... look at the Venice bench area.. legalizing marijuana has ruined that area.

dlwt2003 said on February 19, 2011 at 8:19 AM

This state has spent far to much money battling pot, they need to leagilize it. And no you don't take a toke before work unless thats the norm for you and you take a few drinks of alcohol before you go to work. And to the person who said drug dealers would be cheaper than the state store, I honestly dont see that happening do you have some place where you can go get alcohol cheaper? Tax the stuff enforce the new laws. No driving, no public intoxication etc. Pass the bill

lupiet said on February 19, 2011 at 8:17 AM

If we did legalize it for medical use and the state grew and sold it that would help with our huge money problems in this state,tax it like crazy like they do everything else.

pete276696418877 said on February 19, 2011 at 8:16 AM

Well not too sure about the State selling at all. Just look at the bust in Rainier last week. They value 249 clones at $250,000, I hate to see what they will try and get. The State puts a value 10 times what it actually is, I'm afraid they will be way too greedy. Who will grow this Pot? Oh thats right, big business that can afford to play the states game @ $5000 a year for the license and 5000 more hoops. The State will actually take something they could make money on then regulate the heck out of it and make it unprofitable. If the State is even considering this then they should just decriminalize it and be done with it. IT IS ALL ABOUT GREED!!!!!!

duncan20903 said on February 19, 2011 at 8:13 AM

Anyone who thinks that black market vendors will just continue along their merry way except now with no fear of getting arrested is a blistering idiot. Nobody cares to go to the shadowy places where black market vendors lurk. Just using the malingering Spicolis claiming protection under Prop 215/SB-420 we see that there are lots of people who will pay $150 doctor's fee $100 for a SB-420 ID card. Why in the world would so many people do that when the max for petty possession is a civil fine of $100? The only reason to do that is to get into the dispensaries. The counter sales people aren't going to pull out a gun and rob you. You can be assured of having a wide selection instead of the "take it or leave it" choice offered by black market vendors. You get at least some quality control, and there are dispensaries that take quality control very seriously. Harborside tests their product for molds, contaminants, and quantifies levels of THC and CBD using MS/GC.

serve said on February 19, 2011 at 8:01 AM

We are saturated with anti smoking health warnings. Now they want to make it a good thing!! I don't get it!!

duncan20903 said on February 19, 2011 at 7:54 AM

"There is as much chance of repealing the Eighteenth Amendment as there is for a hummingbird to fly to the planet Mars with the Washington Monument tied to its tail." . . . . . . -----Texas Senator Morris Sheppard (1930)

dodgerdawg said on February 19, 2011 at 7:49 AM

Stop the hypocrisy, destruction, and waste: pass bill 1550.

justasmoker said on February 19, 2011 at 7:45 AM

It's about time. Drunk drivers cause more deaths on the road every year, but marijuana has only caused the death of millions of potato chips. Stop wasting money on pot and start creating jobs from the products. Why would the Government not want to create a whole new industry of jobs when that is what this country needs the most?

minority said on February 19, 2011 at 7:32 AM

I don't agree with legalization of Marijuana on a general level. However, if the bill is to keep Marijuana on a medical level and distribution at the State level. A wonderful idea! Patients would be allowed a safe place where they could get their medicine, without fear of arrest or robbery. The product could grown under government control(research). A safe non laced product will be available to patients. Access to children would be minimized. Marijuana from north and south of our borders would not be in the Medical Marijuana system, and last but not least, a profit for the State.

cadolkie said on February 19, 2011 at 7:30 AM

You would think that as a country we would learn the keeping marijuana illegal is not working and we need to try something new. As a country we have waisted so much of our time, money and efforts to no avail. It is apparent to me that just like prohibition, marijuana is something we need to incorporate into our legal society. Then we can impose high taxes to reduce the deficit and cover the treatment of people who abuse it.

serve said on February 19, 2011 at 7:12 AM

Drug dealers would still be there selling pot cheaper than liquor stores.

doctork said on February 19, 2011 at 6:57 AM

Great call by the Seattle Times! Medical Canna-business will grow and flourish, regardless of all the obstacles thrown it way. From the Holistic point of view Cannabis is markedly pro-evolutionary, as it increases appetite, induces rest, suppresses violent urges and enhances sexual experience. Cannabis is not physically addictive, as it lacks the documented "physical withdrawal" syndrome, necessary for a physical dependence determination. The so-called "gateway drug" theory has already been determined to be invalid, and the recent scientific study declared it "half-baked". Drug Marinol is NOT medical marijuana (and it would seem that any reasonable person would understand this), as the whole plant has over 70 active compounds, therapeutically interacting with one another in many intricate and complex ways. It is very important to stress again and again that Cannabis use, as opposed to alcohol use, suppresses violent urges and behaviors, an important consideration in this society!

unhappy said on February 19, 2011 at 6:26 AM

Thats as good as an actor endorsing it.... medical marijuana is such a scam, just look at california and how messed up it has become down there. crimanals have pushed medical marijuana and made people believe it was for the sick but in fact it's just another money scam..............

serve said on February 19, 2011 at 5:12 AM

We know it's all about money - but from all I've been hearing, smoking is bad for your health! Are we prepared to pay for the health related illnesses? Where are our ethics?

prometheus63 said on February 19, 2011 at 3:00 AM

This is the 21st century and it is simply time for the public to become enlightened enough to legalize cannabis for personal use. The time, money and effort that has been invested for interdiction, courts and incarceration has proven to be a total waste, and possession of small amounts has ruined people's lives and careers due to undeserved criminal records. Legalization and controlled sale through licensed outlets will reduce the criminal element and raise some much needed revenue through taxation. Let's also remember our history. Hemp was the principal crop on George Washington's Mt Vernon Virginia plantation and the Declaration Of Independence was written upon hemp paper. Peace, Prometheus

kryptin said on February 19, 2011 at 2:51 AM

pot is still america's #1 crop. The only thing that changed when it was outlawed was where the money from the production was going. It's time to get the money going back to where it is needed.

livelife2 said on February 19, 2011 at 2:13 AM

Legalize Pot and police can handle it like traffic intoxication. Take the guns and violence out and the "Dead Cop Dilemma" That's the decision of killing or going to prison. Every perp is confronted with this. Prison is not survivable! End prohibition and end drug cartels and violence with open and public market. Remember, everyone that wants it, has it. Nothing would change. Except billions in taxes raised!!! Pot was once Americas #1 crop.

livelife2 said on February 19, 2011 at 1:50 AM

Legalize marijuana and collect billions in taxes. Instantly end drug cartels with their exclusive trillion dollar supply and demand business. Prohibition is not about drugs, it's actually about racial purity and "cleaning up the town." The KKK inspired Prohibition hate crime made it to our American Constitution: 18th amendment. Back then racial prejudice was indisputably mandatory. Prohibitions shows no real proof of progress yet it's uncapped budget shrivels school and healthcare budgets into unrecognizable stains. Drug cartels desperately need prohibition for billions in exclusive supply and demand business. Our voluntary blindness makes this all possible. Everyone has drugs so nothing would change! Traffic and Public disturbances arrests could be made with a plate of brownies!!! Ending the failed prohibition experiment. Save our cops from this violently impossible sand trap. It's not about pot, it's a KKK inspired racial-hate-crime. How do we want to be remembered?

cloudycat2002 said on February 19, 2011 at 1:03 AM

I agree! I am in favor of the House Bill 1550! I hope it passes and spreads across the entire country! I figure if it does pass it will take another decade or two to even make it to the South Eastern part of the United States! (Which is where I am from originally.) So let's get this ball rolling! Pass the Bill!

silversulfate said on February 19, 2011 at 1:00 AM

When it comes to down to legalizing marijuana, people are more worried about the adverse effects, rather than the benefits toward our society. Sure, people can expect abuse of the drug if it is legalized, but how is it much different from alcohol? Marijuana is very similar to alcohol, in the way that it takes responsibility. With alcohol available everywhere, you still do not see people walking into work or school drunk. So why would that change with the legalization of marijuana? Just as the consumption of alcohol takes responsibility, the same responsibility would be required for using marijuana. As of right now, no other plans would generate this much revenue for our state, so why don't we take a leap of faith for the wellbeing of our state. Drastic times calls for drastic measures, but are people willing to go the next step...

katrina2 said on February 19, 2011 at 12:54 AM

Legalizing marijuana is so short sighted and a bad idea. The social and health problems will cost much more than what will be gained. When people need to balance their personal budget, they cut back on what they spend their money on, they don't change the rules and do something illegal. You don't solve one problem by creating more problems.

richardbrannan said on February 19, 2011 at 12:52 AM

This is long overdue. It is absurd that marijuana has been the object of prohibition for so long. When this bill passes farmers can finally grow hemp which would create a viable and profitable industry that our economy so desperately needs. I don't use weed and probably wouldn't if it were legal. I am a fundamentalist Christian, raised in a Pentecostal home and I am wholeheartedly in favor of the legalization of marijuana. Having grown up in the sixty's I was constantly around weed and of course I did inhale some myself. I find it ridiculous that we have demonized the use of one of the most harmless of herbs. It would amaze the opponents of the legalization of MJ if they knew just how many people they work with and even go to church with who take toke occasionally or even on a daily basis. Yes, for God's sake, let's lead the rest of the nation and legalize the use of marijuana. R Brannan, Bainbridge Island

cncrndctzn17 said on February 19, 2011 at 12:41 AM

It's a ridiculous and radically liberal notion to go so far as to say that all drugs should be legalized and state regulated -- some are just far too addicting and harmful in their inherent nature (upon ingestion by man) for this to be a feasible suggestion. "ahem" jannyrose.

azitiz2011 said on February 19, 2011 at 12:34 AM

Yes, this needs to pass. If just one state would pass this, others would follow, and then the federal laws would change - this is history repeating itself, just as with booze and prohibition - Montana passed it first - then others followed. Take the profit out of it for the crooks, control it like booze. The argument that pot will cause many bad things to happen is ridiculous - like booze doesn't. Thanks PI for voicing your opinion.

jannyrose said on February 19, 2011 at 12:30 AM

I would like to see all drugs state regulated. They are found in the street if you want them so let's do it the correct way. Among the regulations/rules would be no buying more than the daily allowable usage. (You don't want people to sell their drugs.) But whatever the amount of money charged-a portion must go to maintaining the substance abuse facilities that will then be free to use if and when someone needs the services. A pay-as-you-do type program. No tax dollars should need to be involved and people who don't use will also not have to pay.

mirandawright said on February 19, 2011 at 12:28 AM

Yes, we need this to pass. It would save and raise so much money. Plus there is not valid reason for this substance to be illegal. Save the limited resources alotted to law enforcement for real crimes, and raise money for education, social services, police and fire services et al.

katie_77 said on February 19, 2011 at 12:27 AM

I completely support and am thankful for your endorsment of legalizing pot. I see legalizing marijuana as an *answer* to so many issues/problems. While cuts are being made in police, fire,prisons, hospitals, schools....how much would the tax base from regulated legalized pot take away from these frightening cuts. If this concept spread, we could do away with the effect of the power of kingpins and drug cartell and drug smuggling into the country. It would free up the courts and prisons of the most non-violent offenders. Pot was NEVER the gateway drug.... alcohol, IS.

cncrndctzn17 said on February 19, 2011 at 12:22 AM

It would be idealistic at best to exhibit any optimism in the prospect of this bill's passing. There is a great mass of people who would oppose such legislation singularly for conservative reasons -- because of the reputation of marijuana and how uncomfortable they are with the idea of its legalization. With that being said, I am still in favor of legalizing marijuana for Washington state. Regardless of health risks, man should have the opportunity to make slightly immoral decisions -- why else would we tolerate alcoholic consumption? It should be common knowledge that alcohol is much more dangerous than marijuana in respect to endangering the lives of others and noticeable detriment to the mind. As far as the fiscal benefits for Washington state, I believe with enough regulation on marijuana production as an industry and enough support for this bill, this can be a great opportunity in increasing revenues and balancing our budget.

scragz said on February 19, 2011 at 12:21 AM

Im tottally for it I used to smoke I havn't since I have had my daughter but I have always thought it should be it would reduce crime and make money and make many people happy I think its a tripple win

grpape1 said on February 19, 2011 at 12:20 AM

In regards to marjuana: Anyone remember prohibition? I believe pot should be legalized and just like alcohol not abused- with the same restrictions as alcohol. (*ie: no drinking and driving= no usage of pot *under the influence when operating machinery etc.) I believe if we legalized pot, taxed it and put restrictions on it with out giving criminals the upper edge of being the sole source of distribution you take away the edge or thrill factor for some. I personally don't like pot because I am allergic to it and cant stand to be around it especialy since I breakout when I smell or have any contact with it. But, no one has the same chemical makeup and it seems to have theraputic results for some.Personally I'd like to see jail's housed with real criminals like murderers and rapists instead of pot users.

jrpuyallup said on February 19, 2011 at 12:18 AM

It's great that the government is getting smarter, but they aren't following up by educating voters. The only thing that people get upset about when you talk about smoking pot is that it is illegal. Well, so is speeding, but we all do it and rarely does anyone go to jail for it. I believe legalizing pot will bring more money into the system by collecting illegal, untaxed sales tax. The key is in the vote. if all of the voters who truly believe in legalizing pot actually vote.

cjgriff said on February 19, 2011 at 12:17 AM

It is time we stop wasting money chasing down marijuana users. Our prisons are full of growers and users and it is a huge waste of money. They just want to keep them there for the jobs. I wonder what they would do with people drinking a martini in their home if booze was not legal. Think about it; no difference! The tax that could be collected would be great for our state. It is time people just get over it!

aaronhergert said on February 19, 2011 at 12:16 AM

As much of an advocate as I am for freedom, people are often surprised when I say I am not in favor of legalizing marijuana, but here is my reason: I do not want to let the government think they had any right to decide what I can put into my own body in the first place. To beg them to "legalize" this vegetation is to validate their delusion that they are your rulers. Voting for permission to grow a plant is like asking for permission to achieve greatness. It is not logical.

junegabriel said on February 19, 2011 at 12:14 AM

It's about time.

skyhighatrist said on February 19, 2011 at 12:13 AM

Just think about the rise in video game and dvd rentals, no wonder they just uped te tax on junk food!

fissilemissile said on February 18, 2011 at 11:24 PM

In a cash strapped revenue deprived state, WHY NOT? It would create a tourist industry. It would drop the amount of drugs imported into the state from Canada, which would allow border patrol to police other crimes. It would speed up the local court system and lower court costs by reducing the hours spent by prosecuters on low grade crimes. The police could consentrate on robberies, car thefts, and maybe taking classes on how to properly react to wood carvers. The jails could possibly have more room and which could allow for other dangerous people to stay in jail a little longer. It would put people to work at local grow locations and facilitate a quicker economic recovery by bringing the black market money into state coffers. It's WIN WIN WIN all the way around.

roxsivirgo89 said on February 18, 2011 at 11:22 PM

I believe this will be the best thing to happen for the state. It's a smart move for the House and the State. I personally believe that liquor is worse than marijuana. Marijuana in the liquor store would be great for taxing and boosting the State and federal deficits. Marijuana doesn't harm anyone...liquor does.

daknbuds said on February 18, 2011 at 10:26 PM

This kind of thing is exactly what we need. Quit wasting taxpayer money on prosecuting stand-up citizens of this great country that choose to burn one down. ***************"My choice is what i chose to do; and if I'm causin no harm, it shouldn't bother you. Your choice is who you chose to be; and if your causing no harm, then your alright with me. If you don't like my fire, then don't come around. Cause I'm gonna burn one down." ****************Think about it!