The New Deal. Sonoma, here I come......

[beauzeau]

Man, talk about lucky. To live in Sonoma! A hop, skip, and jump from Humboldt and Mendocino!

I was so delighted to hear that Eric Holder has announced that the feds will no longer raid dispensaries in California. My father in law is lying in Missouri right now, suffering from the final stages of pancreatic and esophageal cancer. But because so many people in this country have accepted the "demonization" of pot over the last sixty some odd years, he likely will not find comfort until his time here is done. If I were not afraid of transporting some, I'd have already taken him a batch or two.

California, on the other hand, has had medical MJ laws for nearly ten years now. But the federal government has been a thorn in their sides nonetheless. I think a state full of people are capable of deciding for themselves whether or not something like this should be acceptable and legal by community standards. And I'm not just saying this because I'm a recreational user!

Then to hear that California just introduced a bill on monday (AB-390) that would legalize pot across the board in California. WOW! I mean, we've seen this before (Colorado and Nevada recently) but it's never made it all the way. I think with California having seen what's possible in terms of revenue over the last few years with the medical pot, and the feds having finally backed off, this bill has a decent chance of passing.

So I bought yeson390.com and yeson390.org just in case! Actually, I have no idea if it's something that will have to be voted on by the people, but I figured if it was, I'd better get the domains now, cuz they'd be gone in days otherwise.

Well, I'm already in the mindset to move out your way Sonoma! There goes the neighborhood! Actually, I'm hoping to get settled into that new little house over on Patton St. Now if HGTV would just draw my name already and get it over with....

When I get there Sonoma, I'm gonna be swinging by to play a couple games of guitar hero. You guys have wine and cheese right?

[Mozzarello]

Excepting the (AB-390) Bill it's either Southpark or Sonoma

I guess, Sonoma is my weapon of choice...

[GuitarSlinger]

Can't say that I'm too excited about legalized marijuana for recreational use. Based on my own experiences that doesn't mean I'll be lighting up again. When I was a "recreational" user over 15 years ago, it actually meant that I never had a job or money during that time in my life. Unforunately this is true for alot of pot smokers. I feel for people who need it on a medical level and its great we have laws to allow that.

I of course could change my mind about it, but I don't want my children becoming pot heads at this point.

[pooterpatty]

Personally, I think it should be legalized across the board, and taxed. Fact: MJ is much less harmful than alcohol, is not addictive, has never ONCE caused a death from overdose, and has numerous medicinal as well as industrial uses.

And Slinger, I'm sorry that you didn't have a job or money during the time in your life when you smoked pot. But if we use your logic to create laws, we'd have to outlaw alcohol because some people drink too much, and if it's bad for one person, then it has to be bad for everyone else too and we should demonize it as quickly as possible. Also, if you're doing your job as a parent (and I'm sure you are) and not relying on the public schools to teach your kids right from wrong, there's zero risk of your kids becoming potheads, regardless of how legal or illegal it is.

[d3drocks]

Personally, I think it should be legalized across the board, and taxed.

Agreed. I dont smoke (anything at all actually) or do any hard drugs. I'll have a beer now and then, but i dont drink to get drunk.
In Economic times like these, it could actually help to get that up and running. it would employ people, and bring in a whole new industry.

Though I must DISSAGREE that it is not adictive. it may not be PHYSICALLY adictive, but the MENTAL factor is still there. you can be adicted to the feeling it gives you, making you edge for another fix (but i agree, its not as bad as something like sigarets).

I of course could change my mind about it, but I don't want my children becoming pot heads at this point.

And I cant blame you.
at young ages, its not at all safe, as it KILLS braincells. brain cells have an incredibly long division cycle, meaning if one dies, nothing will replace it for A LONG TIME.
Pot has also been proven to bring out schizophrenia that was otherwise dormant in people. even if its genetically dormant in you, smoking pot EMENSLY rases your chances that it will show up.
basically, your great grandfather could have had schizophrenia, and smoking pot could bring it out in you (assuming it was a dominant gene and was passed through)

[beauzeau]

I've seen both sides of it, in myself and others. Yes, smoking too much of certain types of pot can certainly cause laziness! However, in a state where pot is legal, there would be more sativa pot (which does not cause comatosedness). Most people smoke indica pot because it's easier to grow indoors, so that's what the growers grow.

If they legalize it, I'd say your kids have just as much chance of becoming a pothead as they do becoming alcoholics or chronic cigarette smokers. Personally, I don't want my kid to become either! But I DO want her to grow up in a free country where she can decide for herself whether or not she will.

Poot, you get any snow up there yet? They keep saying we're gonna get some down here, but nothing but rain so far.

[beauzeau]

I've heard of pot "bringing out" schizophrenia, but only in those who were actually schizophrenic. But they say that alcohol can do the same thing.

And I'd have to partially agree with the addiction thing. It's true, it's not physically addictive. It's also true that if someone enjoys the feeling that they get from the drug, they will likely want to do it again. Granted, it's not as strong as an addiction to coffee, which has been openly abused by so many americans for so many years it's not funny. But it IS still psychologically addictive. The measure of which depends on the person. I've never been one to 'jones' for it myself. But I've known people who, if they hadn't had any, I'd stay away from! Not because they get violent or anything. Just because I don't want to hear them whining about it! I know they're gonna be just fine.

Whereas, the person who abuses Oxycontin is very likely to get arrested for breaking and entering trying to score enough money for their next fix.

Huffing gasoline vapors is VERY bad! But I don't want to ban gasoline because there are some people out there that are ignorant enough to think it's safe to use as a recreational drug.

[Mozzarello]

IMHO... I ...

Err...

Nah, I was about to post but lost the will to...

Well, it's sunday

(dramatic recreation of what people may consider as a reeferhead, right? )

[Muddhole]

And I'd have to partially agree with the addiction thing. It's true, it's not physically addictive. It's also true that if someone enjoys the feeling that they get from the drug, they will likely want to do it again. Granted, it's not as strong as an addiction to coffee, which has been openly abused by so many americans for so many years it's not funny. But it IS still psychologically addictive. The measure of which depends on the person..

I was about to make this same point myself to some extent. I myself been a user some 20 odd years ago can say that it had me and I couldn't stop. I use to keep telling myself "I'll quit tomorrow," but before I knew it I had another "J" in my mouth. Other factors could have played into that as well such as, my mom naggin me to stop smoking it so maybe that played a role in it as well. I do blame pot for certain things in my life currently, but I don't have any real factual proof that pot was the cause so...

"The world my never know how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop!"

[Sandman]

I am a proud graduate of Humboldt State University. God bless northern Calif. This is an area of the country that everyone should see.

If they legalized Ganja, and taxed it as proposed above, our fine state would not be bankrupt like it basically is now. California's economy is larger than most nations. Think how much money would be saved from abandoning the futile and costly eradication efforts, pile the the revenues from taxes, and we could be back on top.

Hemp from a commercial standpoint has been used throughout history and is a renewable, eco-friendly, resource that is unfortunately totally under utilized. Hell, George Washington mandated the growth of hemp! Hemp fibers blow doors on cotton when it comes to strength and durability. Not to mention the environmental benefits of it replacing some of the synthetic materials used these days.

Sure, I don't want my kids to be potheads, but I feel like that's my job to turn them into good decision makers. Drugs will always be there for them if they want them regardless of what I want or do.

As my hero Peter Tosh says....... LEGALIZE IT!

[beauzeau]

"I am a proud graduate of Humboldt State University. God bless northern Calif. This is an area of the country that everyone should see."

Isn't that up there where the republicans get together to stand naked against the redwoods?

LOL! I'll never forget Clinton saying that.

[Sandman]

Once you stand naked against a redwood, you'll never go back... Silly fungus.

Oh yea, and just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they're not out to get me...

[solone1]

Once you stand naked against a redwood, you'll never go back... Silly fungus.

Oh yea, and just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they're not out to get me...

4 outta 5 voices in my head agree!

While in San Diego (So Cal Junkie Jam) my cousin had them deliver to his house - all above board with the medi-mar card. He's got 20+ dispensaries just in aroud his suburb of El Cajon (hell cajon).

http://www.medbud4u.com/

[GuitarSlinger]

I appreciate all of your insights. Que slight exageration, but I have probably smoked more pot than all of you combined. I was that kid who instead of pictures of girls on my walls I had pictures of buds. I missed out on alot of regular growing up stuff, sports, career, relationship with my parents, real friends, etc etc.

I think now if a responsible adult wants to light up then I'm all for it. Just for me I like having a sharp mind now, thats why I'm hooked on energy drinks and coffee, oh well, at least its not speed.

[GuitarSlinger]

Oh yes and Northern California is the place to be, just beautiful.