en-us https://www.intensedebate.com/users/284915 Comments by mrclay http://change.gov/page/content/GeneralDiscussion/#IDComment12888528 Yes, studies show those drive "high" are far safer than "drunk", but please do not drive under the acute influence of any drug. It's that irresponsibility that fuels ONDCP propaganda and, more importantly, puts others' lives at risk. Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:37:11 +0000 http://change.gov/page/content/GeneralDiscussion/#IDComment12888528 http://change.gov/page/content/GeneralDiscussion/#IDComment12888414 Scientists in the testing industry are smart. When their hands are no longer tied (any research w/ cannabis is super expensive due to the federal ban), they'll come up with something. I'm all in favor it cracking down more heavily on DUI (any substance). Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:23:49 +0000 http://change.gov/page/content/GeneralDiscussion/#IDComment12888414 http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/join_the_discussion_obama_economic_team_responds/#IDComment12828656 There are 535 legislators in DC and countless more in states/counties; they can focus on more than one issue and, sorry, no one gets to decide which issues should be tabled for "later". The right time for the repeal of Prohibition was in the midst of our worst economic situation in our history, but the people had to speak up and make it an issue; that's what we're doing. We do not expect the government to drop everything and focus on drug policy. The president-elect can very simply choose a better drug czar without obstructing our governments' work on other efforts. We're here to encourage him to do so and to educate the public on the harms of our current policies. Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:10:50 +0000 http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/join_the_discussion_obama_economic_team_responds/#IDComment12828656 http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/join_the_discussion_obama_economic_team_responds/#IDComment12794808 I actually don't think marijuana cigarettes would be a huge market over time (use of that would probably go down if the Netherlands can be considered an example of legalization), but foods and hemp products probably. For me it's not the tax revenue as much as that it would separate cannabis buyers from hard drug sellers, probably killing the hard drug market more than anything else. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 16:49:14 +0000 http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/join_the_discussion_obama_economic_team_responds/#IDComment12794808 http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/join_the_discussion_obama_economic_team_responds/#IDComment12775439 Actually, studies show cannabis users remain aware of their intoxication (less likely to choose to drive than with alcohol) and those that *do* drive take more care (slow, cautious, vs the recklessness exhibited by drunks). Nearly all fatalies "involving marijuana" are actually due to alcohol. Miracle plant? Hemp was long considered that and scientists find amazing new properties of the human cannabinoid receptors every year. For a plant the UN wants to erradicate, it's pretty fascinating! Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:43:09 +0000 http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/join_the_discussion_obama_economic_team_responds/#IDComment12775439 http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/join_the_discussion_obama_economic_team_responds/#IDComment12775293 Re: people going to bed hungry/homeless, this is exactly why marijuana taxation makes economic sense (to ignore all the other reasons). Right now all that money is going to Mexican gangs. The only Americans paid are those selling weapons to them. Let's *all* push priorities that are important and demand more work (and thought) from our representatives. Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:26:44 +0000 http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/join_the_discussion_obama_economic_team_responds/#IDComment12775293 http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/join_the_discussion_obama_economic_team_responds/#IDComment12769754 You are absolutely right, we need to treat alcohol like we have cigarettes: ban the advertisements. It's working; cigarettes are consistently sinking in popularity. You want a beer-ad-soaked society, you get underage drinking. For that matter you should wonder why tobacco and alcohol are not even ON the Controlled Substance Act schedules... Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:21:30 +0000 http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/join_the_discussion_obama_economic_team_responds/#IDComment12769754 http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/join_the_discussion_obama_economic_team_responds/#IDComment12769588 if you're not convinced, read about it. Spend a few hours on Wikipedia or sift through hundreds of studies that find cannabis one of the least harmful drugs (besides the smoke). If you based your conclusions on "brain on drugs" commercials or ONDCP reports, you've been seriously misled. I'll never use the stuff, but it's horrible that we put people in jail for it. Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:09:01 +0000 http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/join_the_discussion_obama_economic_team_responds/#IDComment12769588