3 ms·

You're basing a whole lot on one study of 50 chronic users in one city. You're going to have to cite more than that if you want to rest your entire argument on

by 1_2__3 10y ago

You're basing a whole lot on one study of 50 chronic users in one city. You're going to have to cite more than that if you want to rest your entire argument on that basis.

IMTDb 10y ago
Is there any study on a bigger cohort, on a longer timescale that says "there is absolutely no adverse effects in marijuana" ? If not, why would you want to add one more dangerous substance in the stores ?
- soylentcola 10y ago
  Pragmatism. People ingest cannabis as well as countless other substances due to a wide array of drives and motivations. They will continue to do so (as well as turn to other, more hazardous options) despite legal status. One could argue that if the demand can't be removed, then the most sensible course of action would be to keep the entire market/economy for such things out of the criminal realm where it can be tied up in all sorts of other unsavory things (turf wars, tax evasion, money laundering, etc). Likewise, there's the well-worn concept of the "cure" being worse than the "disease". Even assuming some negative health impact of the ingestion of cannabis or other intoxicating substances, is that negative impact worse than that of criminal penalties or prison? A good comparison would be alcohol. Lots of people drink too much alcohol for their own good health. A subset of these could be classified as alcoholics. Either way, you're talking about adverse effects. Would outcomes be generally better or worse if every wino and drunk got charged with a criminal violation or put in prison for their unhealthy alcohol use? What about those who just get a bit drunk a few times per year at a cookout, the company Xmas party, and New Year's Eve? Because that's essentially how cannabis is treated when criminalized.
  - IMTDb 10y ago
    That is indeed, I think, the best argument so far in favor of legalisation.
    - mercer 10y ago
      I'd say if anything it's an even better argument in favor of decriminalization, which I feel is acceptable to many people who wouldn't favor full legalization. I think I prefer the latter, but even the former would be a great improvement (and, in my opinion, should apply to pretty much any drug).

by 1_2__3 10y ago

You're basing a whole lot on one study of 50 chronic users in one city. You're going to have to cite more than that if you want to rest your entire argument on that basis.

IMTDb 10y ago

Is there any study on a bigger cohort, on a longer timescale that says "there is absolutely no adverse effects in marijuana" ? If not, why would you want to add one more dangerous substance in the stores ?

soylentcola 10y ago
Pragmatism. People ingest cannabis as well as countless other substances due to a wide array of drives and motivations. They will continue to do so (as well as turn to other, more hazardous options) despite legal status. One could argue that if the demand can't be removed, then the most sensible course of action would be to keep the entire market/economy for such things out of the criminal realm where it can be tied up in all sorts of other unsavory things (turf wars, tax evasion, money laundering, etc). Likewise, there's the well-worn concept of the "cure" being worse than the "disease". Even assuming some negative health impact of the ingestion of cannabis or other intoxicating substances, is that negative impact worse than that of criminal penalties or prison? A good comparison would be alcohol. Lots of people drink too much alcohol for their own good health. A subset of these could be classified as alcoholics. Either way, you're talking about adverse effects. Would outcomes be generally better or worse if every wino and drunk got charged with a criminal violation or put in prison for their unhealthy alcohol use? What about those who just get a bit drunk a few times per year at a cookout, the company Xmas party, and New Year's Eve? Because that's essentially how cannabis is treated when criminalized.
- IMTDb 10y ago
  That is indeed, I think, the best argument so far in favor of legalisation.
  - mercer 10y ago
    I'd say if anything it's an even better argument in favor of decriminalization, which I feel is acceptable to many people who wouldn't favor full legalization. I think I prefer the latter, but even the former would be a great improvement (and, in my opinion, should apply to pretty much any drug).