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> This is a cultural problem, and the way forward is not to choose the second worst answer instead of the absolute worst: it's to create an environment where pe
by ux-app 12y ago
> This is a cultural problem, and the way forward is not to choose the second worst answer instead of the absolute worst: it's to create an environment where people can choose the best answer.
I don't agree. To think that we can solve substance (ab)use issues with cultural intervention is to deny the basic biological aspects. Many species simply enjoy altering their consciousness. Humans are very inventive in this regard but it's common throughout the animal kingdom.
Instead of denying a basic human urge, we should stop criminalizing it. Properly support those that have developed a dependency and move away from the nanny state. Harm reduction should be the overarching aim.
- sliverstorm 12y agoWhen was this about pot legalization? I thought I just read an article comparing alcohol to pot; can we have a discussion relating to pot without having to talk about legality for the zillionth time?
- rosser 12y agoGP sounds more like a call for decriminalization and harm reduction than outright legalization. There is a difference. EDIT: And in response to your shadow edit: no, we can't. A significant factor in the abuse of drugs — and marijuana in particular, given its relative harmlessness — is their very illegality. The forbidden fruit seems to be far more tempting.
- sliverstorm 12y agoMade the edit before I saw your reply, apologies.. Maybe you're right, maybe its legal status is the only thing about pot that really matters, but it's such a multidimensional issue I hate seeing the conversation home in on legalization/decriminalization every time. A change in legal status will not solve all its problems (else why does alcohol have problems?), and we have just read an essay which spends very few words even talking about legal status, which I think supports my point that there are so many other important angles to talk about.
- gnaritas 12y ago> can we have a discussion relating to pot without having to talk about legality for the zillionth time? Um no, that is after-all the issue with pot.
- cjslep 12y ago> Instead of denying a basic human urge, we should stop criminalizing it. Properly support those that have developed a dependency and move away from the nanny state. Harm reduction should be the overarching aim. While I agree with decriminalization to a reasonable extent, I think you are severely underestimating the crippling effect being dependent on a foreign substance can be on relationships, society, and the individual. Simply changing the legislation is part of a broader comprehensive solution. A cultural change needs to be part of any comprehensive solution to substance use and abuse. A cultural change is also needed so members of society can enjoy moderate use, without leading to abuse, of substances. Or so they are encouraged to enjoy other parts of life besides substances, if they so choose.
- ux-app 12y ago> I think you are severely underestimating the crippling effect being dependent on a foreign substance can be on relationships, society, and the individual. Simply changing the legislation is part of a broader comprehensive solution. I'm not sure how you got the impression that I am underestimating or minimizing the potential downsides of substance abuse. I'm advocating for decriminalization and harm reduction. This means a move away from the nanny state and toward a society that deals with substance (ab)use as a normal part of the human condition. Not something that can be wished away!
- rosser 12y agoThis means a move away from the nanny state and toward a society that deals with substance (ab)use as a normal part of the human condition. If we can't go that far, let's at least start dealing with it as a medical issue — which it is — instead of as a criminal one. Yes, there's crime around drug use/abuse (leaving aside the use itself being criminal where it's illegal and criminalized). In many if not most cases, however, that crime would be mitigated, or even eliminated, if the use, itself, weren't criminal.
- cjslep 12y ago> I'm not sure how you got the impression that I am underestimating or minimizing the potential downsides of substance abuse. That's entirely a misunderstanding on my end. Thanks for clarifying for me!
- cbd1984 12y agoSo... if I don't have that urge, does that make me non-human?