Quote:
Originally posted by Kilrov
On the most basic level I do not agree with smoking anything due to its negative effects on health. Im specifically against the legalisation of cannabis for a few reasons. Firstly I think it is bad for you despite some people arguing otherwise:
"Wheezing, shortness of breath during exercise, and, most notably and early-morning coughing were up to two and a-half times more frequent in cannabis-dependent subjects compared to non-smokers."
"Mild changes in lung function occurred in 20% of non-smokers due to asthma, whereas the figure for cannabis-dependent subjects was 36%. That outcome was similar to tobacco smokers smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day."
Two arguments to this.
1. Cannabis does not need to be smoked.
2. Do you think the government should ban things based purely on their effects on health? Heart disease is the biggest killer in this country (49% of ALL europeans die of cardiovascular disease), but you dont see the government banning deep fried mars bars. And rightly so. Surely it's a personal choice for those above a certain age?
(link: http://www.annecollins.com/nutrition...sease%20Europe
Quote:
Originally posted by Kilrov
Secondly I think that if it was legalised more people would take up tobacco smoking and that other drug usage would increase because young people would see cannabis as 'cool' just like they do with cigarettes and alcohol. Also, once people start taking cannabis some (NOT all) go onto further, harder drugs which are very dangerous.
Well, as I mentioned cannabis does not need to be smoked.
A couple of things about the "stepping stone" argument. (I hate this argument because it is hard to counter, but I do think it is wrong). Firstly, cannabis is not the gateway drug for young people, alcohol is. No question about that - more people start off their "drug" experiences with alcohol. The fact that it is legal is irrelevant. Secondly, cannabis is (generally) quite readily available throughout the UK. I agree that if it was legalised there would be a _slight_ increase in the amount of usage, but that would not go on for ever, and I think the pros definitely outway the cons here. Take a look at Holland. Dutch people are not constantly whacked out on crack or heroin are they? Yet they can legally purchase cannabis. Most dutch people I know hate cannabis in actual fact.
Quote:
Originally posted by Kilrov
Thirdly I think more people would be able to get away with certain crimes by claiming that they are undergoing treatment for addiction.
Well, this is a non-argument. There should be no excuses for commiting a crime under the influence of any drug. Driving or operating machinery whilst under the effects of drugs should always be illegal.
Quote:
Originally posted by Kilrov
Finally, cannabis is getting stronger and will continue to do so (i think) so is actually getting more dangerous.
How do you define dangerous? It is physically impossible to overdose on cannabis. "The easiest way to kill yourself with cannabis is to throw a brick of hash into the air and hope it lands on your head hard enough" - that's a quote from my friend who is a qualified doctor and surgeon.
Surely, if it was legalised, the strength and quality of it could be controlled by the government. If it was priced in such a way that it undercut dealers, the quality and strength would be immediately controllable. Dont forget that cannabis resin is often mixed with anything from dirt to plastic (that's right, plastic) to increase its weight.
These are mainly arguments in the defence of the negatives of cannabis. Maybe we can talk about some of the positives of legalisation?
What are people's thoughts on this?