Does drug prohibition put the police in danger and harm the public?

[Banditbandit]

This is KB, but we'll do our best...

Personally I put it on par with alcohol as far as the health risks go in addition to the smoking risk. I've posted a link to the known health issues recently. I'm doing some research into the political and Police views and reasons for the laws as they stand. So watch this space for their responses, should be interesting.

So ... I'm wondering if smoking cannabis is more or less risky than riding a motorcycle? And risky to whom? I don't mind risking my life - I smoke (tobacco) and ride motorcycles ... I don';t like other peole risking my life ... I object to dickhead car drivers risking my life ... I can't see how my neighbour smoking weed risks my life !

[DMNTD:Me]

.. I can't see how my neighbour smoking weed risks my life !

Exactly (except for driving/riding etc as you mentioned)!
When living in a certain Northland town, the local Policeman has no issues if you wanted to smoke pot as long as you were with your (or your mates) private property. In other words out of site of tourists etc.
He was a good bastard...a real bloke. Took no shit and hammered anyone that got out of line especially re Meth or sim

[Edbear]

So ... I'm wondering if smoking cannabis is more or less risky than riding a motorcycle? And risky to whom? I don't mind risking my life - I smoke (tobacco) and ride motorcycles ... I don';t like other peole risking my life ... I object to dickhead car drivers risking my life ... I can't see how my neighbour smoking weed risks my life !

As I've also said, riding a motorcycle is not inherently detrimental to one's health. Only if you crash, whereas, Cannabis, like smoking and alcohol is inherently detrimental to your health whether used legally or illegally. It is a health risk to those who use and especially abuse, it and as far as neighbours go, again, like alcohol, it is a risk to you through their actions while under its influence, ie: driving or causing an accident somehow.

Motorcycling does not reduce one's cognitive abilities, whereas Alcohol and drugs do by their very nature.

[-Alias-]

Intrigued here...how does canabliss risk lives?

A sensible, realistic answer would be appreciated and no I'm not referring to someone driving,working etc on weed

Ah. Therin lies the rub. I used the term drugs. not cannabis, but drugs. Cannabis will not kill you (unless you drive a vehicle whilst under the influence - then it might)

However, it can (and this is well documented) trigger psychosis amongst other things. There are quite a number of people in secure mental health facilities around the country who suffer from such psychosis, and some have consequently killed. There are always other factors of course.

I'm sure though that i do not need to explain how opiates, methamphetamine etc, can kill?

[DMNTD:Me]

Ah. Therin lies the rub. I used the term drugs. not cannabis, but drugs. Cannabis will not kill you (unless you drive a vehicle whilst under the influence - then it might)

However, it can (and this is well documented) trigger psychosis amongst other things. There are quite a number of people in secure mental health facilities around the country who suffer from such psychosis, and some have consequently killed. There are always other factors of course.

Yes aware that some have gone off the deep end whilst smoking HUGE amounts of weed for a LONG time....so have people who drink too much etc blah blah

What I'm really getting at is that weed (only referring to weed here) if used in low quantities will not send you over the edge.
Mis-use of virtually anything (including water ) will cause damage

I'm sure though that i do not need to explain how opiates, methamphetamine etc, can kill?

No not at all...I spent over a decade on gratuitous amounts of opiates so have a fair idea
"em doctors eh...bloody drug dealers!

[Edbear]

[B]No not at all...I spent over a decade on gratuitous amounts of opiates so have a fair idea
"em doctors eh...bloody drug dealers!

Almost that long for me as well. Four neurologists knew what I was taking, yet no-one suggested it might be killing me...

Was living nightmare to get off them!

[scissorhands]

Almost that long for me as well. Four neurologists knew what I was taking, yet no-one suggested it might be killing me...

Was living nightmare to get off them!

Coffee has caused my body and life more damage than any other drug/stimulant, for one reason or another I love the stuff

[-Alias-]

Yes aware that some have gone off the deep end whilst smoking HUGE amounts of weed for a LONG time....so have people who drink too much etc blah blah

What I'm really getting at is that weed (only referring to weed here) if used in low quantities will not send you over the edge.
Mis-use of virtually anything (including water ) will cause damage

It might surprise you that it does not necessarily have to be a HUGE amount smoked over a LONG time. I have the benefit of some small exposure to people who have been affected in this way - some which really didnt smoke 2/5 of fuck all compared to say myself during my teens and twenties.

Fact is, weed can be harmful. Its not overly common, but it can.

But really, this is a diversion. My argument isn't against weed.

No not at all...I spent over a decade on gratuitous amounts of opiates so have a fair idea
"em doctors eh...bloody drug dealers!

See my earlier comment re state sanctioned drugs

[shrub]

By whom?

The law. If they chose not to prosecute you would have a huge number of nice white middle class "concerned of Bishopdales" up in arms led by Jim Anderton and Paul Holmes.

[shrub]

Motorcycling does not reduce one's cognitive abilities, whereas Alcohol and drugs do by their very nature.

Not really. I find that when I'm riding my bike I am crap at crosswords, holding conversations and texting. I very, very rarely smoke pot these days because I am afraid i got bored with it (there goes the gateway/addiction theory), but find when I do the best thing is just to chill out at home with some sounds, a glass of wine and maybe some conversation.

[Banditbandit]

Not really. I find that when I'm riding my bike I am crap at crosswords, holding conversations and texting. I very, very rarely smoke pot these days because I am afraid i got bored with it (there goes the gateway/addiction theory), but find when I do the best thing is just to chill out at home with some sounds, a glass of wine and maybe some conversation.

My God ... you mix your drugs ! (snigger ...)

[shrub]

My God ... you mix your drugs ! (snigger ...)

It gets worse. I enjoy a Laphroiag or a Courvoisier XO, sometimes both with my herb. Then I go right over the edge and add yet another drug and smoke one of my (sadly shrinking) supply of duty free Romeo et Juliets.

Maybe Laphroiag is a gateway drug? it's bloody addictive.

[mashman]

Home cultivation would reduce culture or scene or advertising and marketing.

Like alcohol culture, I question a culture around drug use. Usually you'll find top dog and loud mouth bullies becoming gang leader

I wish lol... and i'm sure everyone goes to Amsterdam to see the canals ... Unfortunately a cannabis culture, once legalised/decriminalised, will be inevitable, just like we have car cultures, motorcycle cultures, booze and drug cultures already...

Having said that... legalising cannabis, putting in place "restrictions" similar to those of alcohol and centralising supply (if not from your own shed), could turn out to be quite an earner for the tourist industry?

[Banditbandit]

It gets worse. I enjoy a Laphroiag or a Courvoisier XO, sometimes both with my herb. Then I go right over the edge and add yet another drug and smoke one of my (sadly shrinking) supply of duty free Romeo et Juliets.

Maybe Laphroiag is a gateway drug? it's bloody addictive.

Dunno about gateway addiction - but it certainly sounds like an expensive one ..

[scumdog]

It gets worse. I enjoy a Laphroiag

Maybe Laphroiag is a gateway drug? it's bloody addictive.

Damn great drrop, my No1 whisky.