For Faith & Family | Don’t Decriminalize Marijuana | Comments

Comment 1

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 10:34:22 CST

Its not the drug that made u.Harmless is what the drug is.i know plenty of people who use and still are active.Plus if you knew anything about this you would know Marijuana is not addictive.your probably just extremely weak minded.Saying your addicted to marijuana is just an excuse for you to smoke.If its so destructive, then why hasn’t there been one death caused by the drug.just stop whining about it.marijuana is not harmful.your the harmful one.must feel good to spread senseless bable.

Comment 2

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 20:58:14 CST

Whoever wrote this article obviously doesn’t know ANY of the actual statistics relating to the decriminalization. There would be some adverse effects short-term, however the benefits are endless. Please research before you put something into print!!!

Comment 3

Fri, 16 Feb 2007 21:13:22 CST

I smoked marijuana for many years and have suffered no ill effects. I also used to smoke tobacco. From my tobacco use I began to cough and have trouble breathing. Now before you say this could have come from marijuana I never smoked tobacco while I smoked marijuana, only afterward and my symptoms have gone away since I quit tobacco. Sometimes I would like to relax and I quite enjoy the effects of marijuana for this. The act of smoking marijuana is no different from all of the people that are “medicated” with any of the psycotheriputic drugs. Except for the fact that they are “medicated” all day every day and this is legal. I was only “medicated” ocasionally on the weekends. I have since quit smoking marijuana due to the fact that marijuana users have been persicuted for their beliefs, much like many religions have been including christians, to the extent that I could loose my job for being “medicated” with an unapproved substance.

Comment 4

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 07:53:24 CST

I’ve not used this drug for many years. But I did use mary jane for a number of years even into my undergraduate degree. I stopped enjoying it and thus stopped using it… I think the stigma associated with it and the fact that it’s illegal has kept me from trying it again. I’m doing my doctorate now and would certainly like some with a glass of wine now and again. Decriminialization for personal use, a plant or two in the home of people who wish to partake does not seem like a bad thing when you consider it is not addictive it is not a gateway and you would take the money from sales of the drug out of the hands of criminals.

Comment 5

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 05:04:34 CST

The individual should have the right to do what he wishes with his body, without gov’t interference. Junk food is not very good for your body but the consumption of it is highly encouraged. I certainly think that junk food and alcohol are more dangerous than marijuana. But to me that is beside the point. It is a personal choice.

Comment 6

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 20:25:37 CST

You obviously do not know what Decriminalization actually is. You said “When government declares that something is no longer illegal.” Decriminalization in the US does not make cannabis LEGAL, but greatly reduces the punishment. Lets take a state, say Illinois. If I was to get caught with a small amount of cannabis, the penalties are extremelyharsh. If a non violent grown adult was found with 2.5 g or less, the consequence is a maximum of 30 days jail time and a maximum of a $1,500 fine.

Decriminalization is more with the times. Typically, decriminalization means no prison time or criminal record for first-time possession of a small amount for personal consumption. The conduct is treated like a minor traffic violation. Now, doesn’t this make more sense?

Comment 7

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 12:51:02 CST

Promoting this drug war is a shallow cop out and a way to avoid the responsibility we have of being salt and light. Informed adults should not have these choices made for them by the government.

Your First point is contradicted by your Fourth point, “When has demand for something ever not been met?”

2 seems to imply that every American takes their moral cue from the government.

3 false. What happened when prohibition of alcohol was lifted? The black market disappeared overnight.

4 false. Were marijuana not criminalized I would likely never have seen cocaine, crank or many other drugs that the dealers diversify their portfolios with. Prohibition creates addicts.

5 false. I served time with violent people, murderers, thieves and every other sort because of a very small amount of marijuana in my possession. I was not a dealer and I committed no other offense. As far as your stats regarding inmates, don’t criminals generally like to blame something or someone for their actions?

Comment 8

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 14:20:25 CST

Shame, shame, I nearly throw up when I read this...standing up for the prohibition of God’s plant is a hipocracy, calling evil what he said is Good is an abomination...When shall the people hear God’s word and consider it… over their own self righteous thinking and the word of doubtful and sinful men...approving the imprisonment of innocent people who consume a substance...is as Cain who killed his brother...or as Jesus standing there and they sent out Barrabus...a theif, murderer, and rapist are let go...as the innocent are made to pay the price. Study this plant and all the benefits then come back with the truth instead of more Lies.

Comment 9

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:59:15 CST

Enough is enough! The persecution of those who
use the herb, ie, marijuana has gone on too
long. For those so called christians, men of
God, and government officals, answer this!!
Read Gen 1:29,30. God gave the herb to mankind
for “meat”. Now who gave any man, group of men,
or civil authority jurisdiction to deny mankind
this herb?? All human laws must conform to “the
laws of nature and nature’s God”. Man’s law
does not trump God, so whatever anyone thinks
about the herb, take it up with God, but his
word is set already.

Comment 10

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:33:52 CST

Dr. Duke says:

“As a longtime user of the drug, I can attest to its completely destructive force. A person who is high on marijuana has no interest in doing anything.”

.....but he still found a way to go on and earn a PhD.

Not bad for an “ex-stoner”

Comment 11

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 15:18:03 CST

I believe that marijuana used in moderation can be part of a healthy and productive lifestyle.

Comment 12

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:43:57 CST

marijuana is just a plant. JAH RASTAFRI

Comment 13

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:03:08 CST

Cocaine literally has a 1000%+ profit margin. Thats like being able to make a ballpoint pen for $.1 and turn around and sell it for $100 dollars. Anything with a profit margin like that isn’t going away.

Stop trying to keep it out, because you won’t, its not possible. Regulate it, tax it and start educating people of its effects, and provide support for junkies.

Because something is decriminalized doesn’t mean it is legal. When we have people strung out on heroin killing themselves we shouldn’t throw them in jail, we should treat them if we want any chance of them becoming productive again.

Look to the Dutch system, where you can buy marijuana in coffee shops. They have 60% less use of marijuana than we do, and many many less doing hard drugs such as heroin.

Drug addiction is a social and medical problem, not a criminal problem.

When it comes to keeping substances out of the hands of your children it is equally difficult if not more so to get alcohol than weed being under 21.

Comment 14

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 11:38:10 CST

I’m sorry Mr. Duke that you were unable to control yourself after trying marijuana. My question to you is, why did you feel the need to always be in a “drug induced” haze? Was it perhaps because you were trying to escape something else? I tried it at the age of 16 (I’m 33. I am what groups like NORML classify as a responsible user.” It may sound like an oxymoron, but I assure you it is not. I do not fit the profile that most people would only be too happy to place on us. I work two jobs and go to school. I own my own place, I pay all my bills and I do not smoke it if I am going to be driving.

I do not feel decriminalizing would automatically give people the green light to go ahead and try it. By stating that, you are basically labeling most of our society as conformists, doing whatever the government says is ok. Is that how YOU think? Probably not.

Comment 15

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 02:27:08 CST

Hello, i would just like to say a few words on this subject, i am 16, and i know that 16 sounds young but i am very mature for my age, anyways, when i was 13 i started slipping in school, my grades were nothing but F’s and i didn’t go to school for a month at a time. at age 15 i finally tried the herb called Marijuana since i thought my life wasn’t going anywhere anyways, when i experienced that
“high” it was one of the best feelings i ever felt, i was going over to my friends house every weekend to smoke some of that magical herb, and guess what, ever since then i have gotten my grades up to almost straight A’s and i have a Job and a Girlfriend, my point is… Marijuana does not affect your life as much as some people say it does, as long as it is used in moderation it is a good thing, and if it is decriminalized then people will eventually get tired of it, just like most people get tired of anything if they do it to much.

Comment 16

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:57:48 CST

Decriminalizing marijuana would bring this country out of debt in less than one week. Also there will be no more overclogging our legal and jail system with people who aren’t criminals.

Comment 17

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:12:25 CST

Your article is full of speculation and little facts. How do you know that more people will try marijuana because it’s legal? The Center for Drug Research study on Licit and Illicit Drugs in The Netherlands concludes that marijuana lifetime usage was 4.5% and past-month usage is 2.5% in 1997 and according to NIDA’s National Household Survey on Drug Abuse for 2000 lifetime usage was 8.3% and past-month was 4.8%. How do you explain that? Please try to look up facts before you post opinions. No good is done in this country when people express opinions that have no basis in fact.

Comment 18

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:06:05 CST

Whoever wrote this article has not only been misinformed about the facts and statistics of marijuana decriminalization, they are also very unknowledgeable about how to develop a good argument. first off, you cant base a good argument off of one personal account, everyones experience with marijuana is different, just because one person has no self control and cannot handle the drug, does not mean that this is the case for everyone. second, if your going to make a point and try to support it, at least stay on the same topic. We are talking about decriminalization here, the drug would still be illegal, only the punishments would be less severe and destructive for those who are caught with it in their possession. So dont try to make a point that decriminalization will encourage use because its legal, because this is not the case. It is simply making the punishments less destructive to the individual.

Comment 19

Thu, 01 May 2008 03:19:52 CST

Please think of this thoroughly.

First of all I found it a problem that you just simply dumped all your problems on Marijuana. Your problems and issues are inherently yours. If you regret using marijuana because of its side effects, maybe you should have researched it more before you decided to use it. Saying you didn’t know is no excuse because the information was all there. Marijuana use has been around for centuries so you would’ve known the effects of it beforehand.

Comment 20

Tue, 06 May 2008 10:11:12 CST

i’m sick of people who destroy their lives blaming everything but themselves. Drugs gave you the path to self destruction, you chose to walk it. Whats more is you feel that your experience with drug use is the same across the board for everyone. Not only is this untrue, but you offer little to no evidence to support any of your claims. Your an idiot, ignoring the fact that we are all depenant on something, coffee, cigarettes, social contact, music, we all burn of some kind of fuel, why not let those of us who choose to enjoy drugs responsibly do what we want? The government should not be able to regulate what we as humans are allowed to try, for that reason, why not eliminate all unecessary risks that we take for pleasure? roller coasters, bunjee jumping, sky diving, any sport… we can hurt ourselves an infinite ammount of ways, life is an experience, let us have ours.

Comment 21

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 19:29:29 CST

Don’t worry about it. Let people smoke weed, they’re not hurting anyone.

Comment 22

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 02:54:18 CST

It seems obvious that you have never really smoked weed. Because it’s fun to do and all, but it’s not really the type of thing that makes you go rob a bank to pay for it.

And I know for a fact many people would be willing to pay 20 a gram in stores if it was legal. We do it now anyways.

Comment 23

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 06:02:59 CST

I do not understand why a plant must be ridiculed and made such a mockery of. If our citizens do not decriminalize marijuana, it is going to cost more tax payers money. They will have to pay for the war on drugs, “criminals” in jail (food, beds, shoes, clothes), and many other things associated with the illegal act. Also more lives are being pulled down because of Marijuana being illegal. A student who is charged with posession WILL NOT get the full oppertunities he might have had if it was placed on the same scale of alcahol. Even though alcahol is such a dangerous drug, we choose not to make that illegal. It is insane to think that keeping it illegal is doing any good. Will there be a strong uprise in marijuana smoking if made legal or decriminalized? Yes, but that does not mean it was never there or lives are being destroyed. When alcahol was made legal again did the number of users go up? Yes, because they did not have to hide it anymore.....

Comment 24

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:02:06 CST

Cannabis Hemp should not only be decriminalized it should be legal! Its not what goes into the BODY that DEFILES MAN but it is what COMETH OUT! Do not judge a man by what he consumes...those my dear friend is the WORDS OF THE MASTER! Its so funny that this is suppose to be a site that uplifts Christian priniciples yet it doesn’t believe Christs own word as truth...When you put folks who have addictions in prison with hardened criminals, rapest, murderers, and theives...you put Nails in the hands of JESUS! If it were illegal to over-eat...how many church folks would be in prison...for being obese? How many raids a week would occur at Baptist Church eating functions? Hipocracy!

Comment 25

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:27:24 CST

One other thing to Blow your mind that Church folks need to study upon is the Word Kaneh Bosem...this word is a hebrew word found in YOUR BIBLE...when it is in HEBREW FORM...this word is the word that cannabis has its orgin. So that special incense that was used in the temple offered with prayer and supplication a daily sacrafice...Was none other than Cannabis. Not only was it burned daily in the temple on the alter of incense but it was used in the Holy Anointing Oil. Kaneh Bosem is also the smoking flax that Jesus shall not quench. Study it Church folk. Then ask yourself what are you doing to God’s special herb he himself created. You call it a weed and all evil names...you take it from nature and try to pluck it out...shame shame it’s an abomination to call evil what God said is GOOD.

Comment 26

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 18:47:56 CST

its amazing that their are so many people for the legalization of marijuana yet its still illegal. the reason why has nothing to due with morals only money. Harry J. Anslinger was a major investor for dupont oil company during the 1930’s. Hemp wouldve ruined their buisness. Hemp seed oil couldve been used as fuel. Marijuana was new to americans so Anslinger made up crazy propaganda such as “Smoke a joint and your likely to kill your brother.” Anslinger known as the first Drug Czar used such propaganda to frighten civilians who knew nothing about Marijuana. Due to his propaganda the Marijuana Tax Act was passed in 1937. Seems to odd of a coincidence to me. The tax stamp was ruled unconstituional since you had to have a tax stamp that was illegal to have to grow marijuana. Though the act was overturned the seed was planted and the general public viewed marijuana evil or harmful. So of course it was illegalized but only due to people who nothing of it.

Comment 27

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 18:30:52 CST

Dear Sir, there is an absence of the differance between what is allowed and what is excepted. You on the otherhand except the sale of alcohol to the public even though it has cost more lives and hardship and not to mention the expense of its devastating effects. I am beside myself that people like you and not to mention MAAD would try to stop this harmless plant which was planted by GOD and not go after the MAN MADE alcohol Production. You people should be ashamed of yourselves for not stopping the real HARD DRUG (ALCOHOL)!!! THANK YOU SIR.

Comment 28

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 17:02:34 CST

Marijuana does not kill people. And its not a drug. Drugs are man made. marijuana grows just like tobacco. And no matter what any one say and does marijuana will never stop. So the only thing any one can do is make it safer by decriminalize it. Some people do lace marijuana but if it want to and throw the grovment it would not be laced. It would be safer and the grovment could make lost of money of of it. just think of this people die ever day because of alcohol and hard drugs. marijuana might kill about 2 people ever 5-6 years and it was laced. so a marijuana smoker for years im with decriminalize marijuana.
JAMES

Comment 29

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:35:53 CST

Just a thought, it’s been almost two years since this article was written,and not ONE comment in support of it! Hmmm. What I want to know is when all of us potheads are going to make some real noise that the legislators can’t ignore! I see all the statistics about those who have tried and continue to use pot and the percentages keep going up, yet we still live with a paranoia about weed. Time to stand up for what you beilive in! I too was arrested for marijuana (two dead plants in a bucket of dirt in my closet) As a result I was jailed for a three weeks while waiting for court. In jail I learned SIX different ways to make meth, (14 years of smoking pot never taught me this!) ate dinner (unknowingly) with a man whom had inapropriate relations with his daughter… you get the picture. My eyes were opened. All I ask of those that oppose pot is to open their eyes, like they want us to toward their beliefs, and see all the real harm thats done by keeping a weed illegal.

Comment 30

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:08:56 CST

the only reason you struggled with drugs is because you couldnt just appreciate the simple high of weed. you wanted more and you were careless. I understand you have your own opinion, but you could have just stuck with the weed.and what you said about the affects of marijuana are worse then alcohol wasnt the smartest comment in the world. alcohol kills 85,000 people a year, weed makes you kill all the cookies. ask any policeman if they would rather take a call on someone whos high or someone whos drunk. i was arrested and jailed for a day over simple possession and now i have a criminal record and now im on the same level as a murderer. If you do the research on prescription drug abuse or alcoholism compared to marijuana use(actual facts on REAL use) i believe your eyes will open. theres more beauty marijuana then you think. Im dillon and i support decriminalizing marijuana. http://www.thc-foundation.org

Comment 31

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:27:40 CST

So then alcohol should be illegal because some people get bad off it? Junk food because people don’t know when to stop?
No, it’s up to YOU.

Comment 32

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:35:06 CST

Here is someone that thinks everyone is the same. This is very sad because everyone isn’t. You say its up to you if you take that drink. Well, it is up to me to care enough about the many, many, many problems that alcohol causes with people that dont have that ability to just not take that drink. Thats what I think. And oh by the way, you must be a drinker?

Comment 33

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:12:21 CST

I am also not in favor of decriminalizing marijuana, we have to think this through over and over again, make some more researches before making this big step. We are already facing a tough drug world and legalizing marijuana would only enhance the taste for drugs, do we really want that?
http://ezinearticles.com/?Drug-Rehab-Really-Does-Work-If-It-Is-Done-Right&id=822396

Comment 34

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:03:32 CST

Marijuana isn’t a drug. It’s a PLANT! And because it is catagorized as a Schedule 1 Drug Scientist CANNOT STUDY IT...the only NEW studies have occured only because some states has made it legal for medical purposes as of 1996. And these new studies are showing that Cannabis has some wonderful benefits, and Could possibly cure cancer as studies have showed that it shrank lung tumors in mice by 60 some percent...as well as healed lung leisons.

Comment 35

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:38:59 CST

People throughout history has consumed marijuana and it has not harmed them, President Lincolns fondest times as recorded in his memoirs was to sit on his porch and smoke indian hemp. Keeping the plant prohibited you create a black market making it 100% more likely that children can access it even more so than alcohol. And because of the fact it continues to be prohibited it also prevents farmers from taking advantage of growing hemp wich contains 1% THC from being used to make ethanol, which is a far greater source making 10 times more ethanol then corn. IF the Benefits out weight the negative shouldn’t it be utilized. People who smoke cannabis is going to continue to do so legal or illegal and it doesn’t force those who doesn’t desire to particpate in the Holy Smoke to want to participate. Dont let the Media BLIND your reasonable thinking concerning this plant… study it...What GOD has made IS GOOD...and it’s an abomination to say anything but.

Comment 36

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:05:13 CST

NORML is pleased to report that H.R. 5843, an “Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults,” has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Barney Frank and Ron Paul.
Write your congressman and tell them to approve this Bill
click here>>>> http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=11280301

Comment 37

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:06:18 CST

I completely disagree. Just because marijuana affected you in a negative way does not mean that it has the same effect on all marijuana users.
“A person who is high on marijuana has no interest in doing anything. The debilitating effects of marijuana are more severe than those of alcohol.”
^^^This is absolutely absurd!!!!!!!
Me and all of my friends are perfectly capable of living normal everyday life while high on marijuana. We play basketball while high and do our homework high. Just because the drug makes you unmotivated and inactive doesn’t mean that thatis the way it effects the rest of us. And when was the last time you heard of someone dieing from marijuana?---Never because it is not possible. When have you heard about someone dieing from consuming alcohol?---Millions and Millions of times. The statements you are making are so rediciulous and simply not true!

Comment 38

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:05:14 CST

I think the people that responded to my comment misunderstood what i was saying. I am for Decriminalization of marijuana!

Comment 39

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:25:00 CST

Stop lying to people about marijuana. The current laws are hypocritical. Marijuana is not a gateway drug and is far less harmful than alcohol.

Comment 40

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:03:03 CST

Dear Barrett Duke,

Please do some actual research before writing an online article, you have no sources. Essentially this is an opinion paper and has no scholarly value whatsoever.

Next time try looking in your bible or at any recent/relevant research concerning Marijuana. You will find that every state/country that has decriminalized Marijuana has seen little or no increase in use/abuse.

Good luck
jollyadmin

Comment 41

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:45:43 CST

The author admitted he abused marijuana in a 7 year stupor. Of course it harmed his life! Abusing Tylenol can kill you. Abusing wine or food will harm your life, but responsible use may enhance your life. The point is, there may be such a thing as *responsible* marijuana use. I know from experience that marijuana can be used in moderation, responsibly, just like alcohol or food. Just because Mr. Duke abused mj doesn’t mean everyone must.

Also, his conclusions on the effects of decriminalization are just wrong. In Amsterdam, where mj is essentially legal, the ratio of users to non-users is much lower then in this country. In sum, it is ridiculous to support the government’s attempt to eradicate a plant that *God* made. If you don’t want to use it, then don’t. But please don’t try to force your legalism on others by force of law.

Comment 42

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:54:40 CST

Decriminalize doesn’t mean legalize. Decriminalize it for the users, but not the dealers. Police don’t want to give a criminal record to a user.
However, a police officer would gladly slap a fine on a user for supporting criminal activity, which makes his job harder.

Comment 43

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 01:53:26 CST

it feels so good to see everyone saying that that guy who wrote this is wrong
no offense bro but cmon
if weed becomes legal, why would people be in jail for weed related offenses and
it does not matter if someone chooses to do it or not, it has nothing to do with your life, ive been smoking for a few years now and nothing bad, if anything i feel i have become more open minded and more conscious and aware about what life is, just because these guys at the top dont like it, just dont do it then, thats what disgusts me about this country

Comment 44

Sat, 18 Oct 2008 14:03:57 CST

Richard Keller,
Dealing Marijuana does not create crime. Criminalizing marijuana creates crime because it creates a black market which makes the price sky-rocket, thereby bringing criminal gangs into the business for quick dollars. The same thing happened when the U.S. pharisees (the legalistic conservatives) instituted the prohibition of alcohol in this country. Prices skyrocketed and Al Capone became more powerful. Meanwhile alcohol use didn’t drop at all.

Legalization reduces crime. It also doesn’t increase use, just like criminalization doesn’t reduce use. The ‘drug war’ is a complete waste of money and violation of the freedom Christ and this country stands for. I know from experience that marijuana can be used in moderation, responsibly, just like alcohol or food. Just because Mr. Duke abused mj doesn’t mean everyone must.

Comment 45

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:36:24 CST

wow…

ok, I have ADD and i use medicinal marijuana, it doesn’t make me want to do nothing, it helps me to focus and to get school work done.

did you know that marijuana is less harmful to you than tobacco, and tobacco is legal, so why shouldn’t marijuana be legal?

Comment 46

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:08:53 CST

Wow, this is loaded with logical fallacies.