Trump Signals Support For Legislation Easing US Ban On Pot

[edpc]

Associated Press June 8, 2018


LOS ANGELES (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that he's inclined to support a bipartisan effort in Congress to ease the U.S. ban on marijuana, a proposal that would dramatically reshape the nation's legal landscape for pot users and businesses.

The federal ban that puts marijuana on the same level as LSD and heroin has created a conflict with more than two dozen states that have legalized pot in some form, creating a two-tiered enforcement system where cannabis can be both legal and not.

The legislation would ensure states have the right to determine the best approach to marijuana within their borders, but some U.S. restrictions would remain, including recreational sales to people under 21.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-signals-support-legislation-easing-193554028.html?.tsrc=bell-brknews

[WingNot]

Sessions will pitch a fit about this.  Maybe he'll ever resign!   

[Elderberry]

[edpc]

! No longer available

[Emjay]

Trump is right on this.  Pot should be legal nationally.  There is so much misinformation about it.

[Suppressed]

Many millennials complain that they were lied to...nobody's giving them drugs for free.

[catfish1957]

[Axeslinger]

Trump is right on this.  Pot should be legal nationally.  There is so much misinformation about it.

@Emjay

I’m always very torn on this subject.  My libertarian leanings make me say that it should be legalized and, in truth, there is little difference between pot and alcohol. However, I do firmly believe that it IS a gateway to much more destructive substances.  But, here’s the rub:  is it a gateway solely BECAUSE it is currently illegal (once you choose to cross the illegal line, there’s far less personal inhibition to do so with the stronger stuff) or is it a gateway because users begin to seek a “better” high?

[Mesaclone]

@Emjay

I’m always very torn on this subject.  My libertarian leanings make me say that it should be legalized and, in truth, there is little difference between pot and alcohol. However, I do firmly believe that it IS a gateway to much more destructive substances.  But, here’s the rub:  is it a gateway solely BECAUSE it is currently illegal (once you choose to cross the illegal line, there’s far less personal inhibition to do so with the stronger stuff) or is it a gateway because users begin to seek a “better” high?

Everything is essentially a "gateway". Booze is clearly a gateway drug. Cigarettes as well. How about power drinks with oodles of caffeine and herbal mixes...I'd say they qualify. My point is, down that gateway path is a neverending ban of relatively harmless substances...I think in this case you should trust your libertarian leanings. Further, I think what's being contemplated is to simply let each state make its own choice...thus allowing for local culture and consideration to have a say...rather than Federal legalization.

[catfish1957]

. Further, I think what's being complicates is to simply let each state make its own choice...thus allowing for local culture and consideration to have a say...rather than Federal legalization.

I understand.  But rather than being a complication, I see it as a positive.  Less fed involvement in anything is a plus.

[DCPatriot]

I understand.  But rather than being a complication, I see it as a positive.  Less fed involvement in anything is a plus.

IMO, this is merely the 'Papal Blessing' by the Chief Executive in Washington.

But, it also signals both the NFL knee-takers with complaints and supporters of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian that it's true... 'The Dark Side' does indeed, have cookies.

Think about President Trump pardoning thousands upon thousands of people incarcerated for marijuana possession/use. 

Poor Democrats...don't know if they should sh*t or go blind.   
MAGA!!!!

[Chosen Daughter]

@Emjay

I’m always very torn on this subject.  My libertarian leanings make me say that it should be legalized and, in truth, there is little difference between pot and alcohol. However, I do firmly believe that it IS a gateway to much more destructive substances.  But, here’s the rub:  is it a gateway solely BECAUSE it is currently illegal (once you choose to cross the illegal line, there’s far less personal inhibition to do so with the stronger stuff) or is it a gateway because users begin to seek a “better” high?

Here in Washington there was the push on how pot would benefit the state in taxes.  I don't know what they are doing with it because they keep asking for more money from property tax.  I do know that people are openly baked all the time.  Driving baked too. 

Pot can be good or bad, but it isn't good for your lungs if you are smoking it all day.  The oil can be benefit people who have health issue.  Salves, oils and smoking for some people to relieve health issues.  It really is no different though than alcohol.  People drive drunk or stoned. 

[Emjay]

@Emjay

I’m always very torn on this subject.  My libertarian leanings make me say that it should be legalized and, in truth, there is little difference between pot and alcohol. However, I do firmly believe that it IS a gateway to much more destructive substances.  But, here’s the rub:  is it a gateway solely BECAUSE it is currently illegal (once you choose to cross the illegal line, there’s far less personal inhibition to do so with the stronger stuff) or is it a gateway because users begin to seek a “better” high?

It's not totally a matter of libertarian leanings, it's just common sense.  Alcohol is much more addictive and much more harmful. 

Marijuana is not nearly as harmful as many prescriptions drugs taken to ease pain or nervousness when pot could do the job with far less harm.

The general sentiment is for legalizing pot and it is legal in many states now.  My daughter-in-law in Colorado used it to ease her pain during a hip replacement.

[catfish1957]

It's not totally a matter of libertarian leanings, it's just common sense.  Alcohol is much more addictive and much more harmful. 

Marijuana is not nearly as harmful as many prescriptions drugs taken to ease pain or nervousness when pot could do the job with far less harm.

The general sentiment is for legalizing pot and it is legal in many states now.  My daughter-in-law in Colorado used it to ease her pain during a hip replacement.

Not totally without harm.  Have seen it some as a brain-number and a huge de-motivator.  So yeah, it may be less harmful than booze, but do we really need to normalize or make socially acceptable another vice?

For medical use, yeah...fully agree.

[Emjay]

Everything is essentially a "gateway". Booze is clearly a gateway drug. Cigarettes as well. How about power drinks with oodles of caffeine and herbal mixes...I'd say they qualify. My point is, down that gateway path is a neverending ban of relatively harmless substances...I think in this case you should trust your libertarian leanings. Further, I think what's being complicates is to simply let each state make its own choice...thus allowing for local culture and consideration to have a say...rather than Federal legalization.

I disagree with you for once @Mesaclone   This state to state thing always causes troubles.  People will drive over state lines to get pot which could lead to legal complications.

Most people are not addictive personalities, but for those who are, anything can be addictive.  Pot is probably the safest thing to be addicted to other than chocolate.

[darroll]

Here in Washington there was the push on how pot would benefit the state in taxes.  I don't know what they are doing with it because they keep asking for more money from property tax.  I do know that people are openly baked all the time.  Driving baked too. 

Pot can be good or bad, but it isn't good for your lungs if you are smoking it all day.  The oil can be benefit people who have health issue.  Salves, oils and smoking for some people to relieve health issues.  It really is no different though than alcohol.  People drive drunk or stoned.

[Emjay]

Not totally without harm.  Have seen it some as a brain-number and a huge de-motivator.  So yeah, it may be less harmful than booze, but do we really need to normalize or make socially acceptable another vice?

For medical use, yeah...fully agree.

You're kinda contradicting yourself.  By your reasoning we should go back to prohibition.  Marijuana is a plant that provides certain soothing and healing qualities.

If we're gonna worry about something, let's worry about something that's actually killing people, like the over prescribing of prescription opiates.

[catfish1957]

You're kinda contradicting yourself.  By your reasoning we should go back to prohibition.  Marijuana is a plant that provides certain soothing and healing qualities.

If we're gonna worry about something, let's worry about something that's actually killing people, like the over prescribing of prescription opiates.

How am I contradicting myself?  Valid Medical use- good.  Recreational use- bad.

[Frank Cannon]

Good move by Trump. No one cares about this shit anymore other than Dopey Sessions.

[Emjay]

How am I contradicting myself?  Valid Medical use- good.  Recreational use- bad.

@catfish1957 Because you admit that Marijuana is not as harmful as alcohol and yet think it should be forbidden.  Or at least I think that's what you said.

The medical thing can quickly become another unnecessary scam.  Example: here in Hawaii, pot is not legal but you can go to a doctor and for eighty or so bucks get a prescription.  Everybody's back hurts.  I know mine does. 

[Sighlass]

Marijuana is a plant that provides certain soothing and healing qualities.

It is an unpredictable drug as most drugs are. In my case, I tried pot in college, it was from my cousin (same bag he smoked so it wasn't laced with something). Lets just say it didn't have the results you suggested. I never tried another drug. I don't want someone that smokes it driving a Hyster beside me at work. It should never be legalized in my opinion.

[catfish1957]

@catfish1957 Because you admit that Marijuana is not as harmful as alcohol and yet think it should be forbidden.  Or at least I think that's what you said.

The medical thing can quickly become another unnecessary scam.  Example: here in Hawaii, pot is not legal but you can go to a doctor and for eighty or so bucks get a prescription.  Everybody's back hurts.  I know mine does.

Here's the way I view it.  I feel it should be fully decriminalized, but stay illegal.  Make it an infraction something like a speeding ticket.

Again....

(1) Does society need another socially acceptable vice?  Again, a one with side effects like forgetfullness, and de-motivation
(2) 15+ years ago, we only had to worry about drunks,  Since 15 ...add electronic device junkie drivers....   Now do we need to add legally using stoners to that list??

[Frank Cannon]

It is an unpredictable drug as most drugs are.

No. It's a pretty damn predictable drug.

[Emjay]

It is an unpredictable drug as most drugs are. In my case, I tried pot in college, it was from my cousin (same bag he smoked so it wasn't laced with something). Lets just say it didn't have the results you suggested. I never tried another drug. I don't want someone that smokes it driving a Hyster beside me at work. It should never be legalized in my opinion.

Things affect people differently.  I would guess that 90% or more of people who smoke or use pot do not have bad side effects.

Why do you want to subject the entire population to a law because you had a bad experience. 

Anyway, it's gonna be legal in a couple of years whether you like it or not and I think Trump is right about this.

[Cyber Liberty]

Anyway, it's gonna be legal in a couple of years whether you like it or not and I think Trump is right about this.

Bottom line. 

More and more states are legalizing it, and that means eventually more Representatives and Senators are going to find themselves at the business end of a voter revolt if they don't pay attention to what their states are doing back home.