Some thoughts for you prohibitionists...

[Fear the Hawk]

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[Johnykbr]

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It seems that moderate legalization is something that a majority of both parties are considering but seem to be a little too afraid to push for. I say make a good portion of them legal, regulate it, and then tax the bejeezus out of it.

[B-Large]

It seems that moderate legalization is something that a majority of both parties are considering but seem to be a little too afraid to push for. I say make a good portion of them legal, regulate it, and then tax the bejeezus out of it.

you want to be careful about that, that could perpetuate black markets for products that would cicumvent regulations and quality control.

[houghtam]

you want to be careful about that, that could perpetuate black markets for products that would cicumvent regulations and quality control.

Just like the thriving black markets for tobacco and alcohol.

Oh wait.

Those items are taxed at huge rates (comparatively). I doubt it will affect it any more than with those two.

[Pony Boy]

[Johnykbr]

you want to be careful about that, that could perpetuate black markets for products that would cicumvent regulations and quality control.

You are undoubtedly correct. Moonshine is very prevalent here in NC and it has a lot to do with ABC stores serving hard liquor and taxing it pretty heavily.

However, I think that the vast majority of mankind always weighs the opportunity cost of something against effort and going to a store and just picking some up will be easier for most than having to deal with an illegal dealer and the possibility of arrest. Just my opinion at least.

[houghtam]

You are undoubtedly correct. Moonshine is very prevalent here in NC and it has a lot to do with ABC stores serving hard liquor and taxing it pretty heavily.

However, I think that the vast majority of mankind always weighs the opportunity cost of something against effort and going to a store and just picking some up will be easier for most than having to deal with an illegal dealer and the possibility of arrest. Just my opinion at least.

As "prevalent" as moonshining, homebrewing and growing tobacco at home are, even in certain parts of the country, they aren't even a drop in the bucket compared to the money their respective industries make for both businesses and the government.

If marijuana is legalized, the likelihood of them being able to ban growing it (or more importantly enforce such a ban) is next to nil, and the likelihood of that affecting the legalized marijuana industry is also nil. People are lazy, and they'd rather pay top dollar for decent weed than try and grow it themselves.

[Dr. Broncenstein]

Nobody has ever died of a marijuana overdose.

[ghwk]

A roommate of mine in college did 30 bong hits in about 3 or 4 hours. He was stoned for a long time but 2 days later he was fine.

[Johnykbr]

As "prevalent" as moonshining, homebrewing and growing tobacco at home are, even in certain parts of the country, they aren't even a drop in the bucket compared to the money their respective industries make for both businesses and the government.

If marijuana is legalized, the likelihood of them being able to ban growing it (or more importantly enforce such a ban) is next to nil, and the likelihood of that affecting the legalized marijuana industry is also nil. People are lazy, and they'd rather pay top dollar for decent weed than try and grow it themselves.

It seems like you're arguing and but agreeing with my overall point. By making possession legal then they have also made growing it legal to a certain amount. But I'm certain they will regulate the types, quantity, and black market sales.

[houghtam]

It seems like you're arguing and but agreeing with my overall point. By making possession legal then they have also made growing it legal to a certain amount. But I'm certain they will regulate the types, quantity, and black market sales.

I'm agreeing with you, disagreeing with B-Large. The "black market", as it were, is of no threat to the legitimate marijuana market. There will be high taxes on it and it will be well regulated. There will be people who grow it on their own, and probably people who sell it outside the regulated market...but not at enough of a cost difference to make a dent in the legit market or become a dot on the radar of the feds. Everyone will still get their cut of the pie.

[orinjkrush]

how has prohibition on anything worked out? Just say no is a naive nancy-ism.