Start of a trend?

[RyeSloan]

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-23516966

With the USA (of all countries!) having relaxed their approach in some states and a number of Latin American countries looking like they may follow Uruguay's lead is this the start of a global trend away from the war on drugs?

Personally I believe that these steps will prove that control can be provided without prohibition. The phoney war has failed and its about time the world stopped wasting huge sums of money while at the same time pushing fortunes into the pockets of criminal gangs.

Either way it will be interesting to see the long term effects of these steps.

[Phil D. Rolls]

http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-23516966

With the USA (of all countries!) having relaxed their approach in some states and a number of Latin American countries looking like they may follow Uruguay's lead is this the start of a global trend away from the war on drugs?

Personally I believe that these steps will prove that control can be provided without prohibition. The phoney war has failed and its about time the world stopped wasting huge sums of money while at the same time pushing fortunes into the pockets of criminal gangs.

Either way it will be interesting to see the long term effects of these steps.

A lot of money has been wasted. The recent trend towards legal highs in this country shows that people will always seek out drugs. Surely, it is sensible to take a "least harm" approach, and divert people away from dangerous products?

Evidence of Marijjuana causing harm is so scanty, and so inconclusive, it is surely time to let people make their decisions?

[Big Ed]

I came across this article: http://ideas.time.com/2013/08/02/what-legalizing-pot-in-uruguay-means-for-the-world/?iid=op-article-mostpop1

I particularly liked this bit:

"By contrast, when President Mujica made his proposal, he reportedly did it without consulting any polls or political consultants; he simply listened to respected experts about what the optimal marijuana policy would be – and then said, let’s do it."

I wonder what having a leader, who thinks in that manner, must be like?

[Phil D. Rolls]

I came across this article: http://ideas.time.com/2013/08/02/what-legalizing-pot-in-uruguay-means-for-the-world/?iid=op-article-mostpop1

I particularly liked this bit:

"By contrast, when President Mujica made his proposal, he reportedly did it without consulting any polls or political consultants; he simply listened to respected experts about what the optimal marijuana policy would be – and then said, let’s do it."

I wonder what having a leader, who thinks in that manner, must be like?

A politician that listens to the people instead of Murdoch, or MORI? Doesn't bear thinking. It's a no brainier, why spend money on something no one can present any evidence regarding the harm it does?

Down with this sort of thing.

[Onceinawhile]

I came across this article: http://ideas.time.com/2013/08/02/what-legalizing-pot-in-uruguay-means-for-the-world/?iid=op-article-mostpop1

I particularly liked this bit:

"By contrast, when President Mujica made his proposal, he reportedly did it without consulting any polls or political consultants; he simply listened to respected experts about what the optimal marijuana policy would be – and then said, let’s do it."

I wonder what having a leader, who thinks in that manner, must be like?

Gordon Brown commissioned a report on marijuana, it basically said decriminalize it. So he upped it to a class b drug.

Legalising is the sensible way forward. Would raise money at one end, save money at the other and take money out of the hands of crime.

[RecobasUncle]

I hope Alex Salmond(sometimes known as the SNP) will get around to reclassifying/decriminalizing/legalizing at some point as I could do with another reason for voting SNP other than independence.

Plus we could make some serious cashish from tourists/dreadlocked gap year stoners etc

[lyonhibs]

This is this chap after all:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20243493

Not exactly cut from the same shiny cloth as David "Call me Dave" Cameron et al.

[steakbake]

Gordon Brown commissioned a report on marijuana, it basically said decriminalize it. So he upped it to a class b drug.

Legalising is the sensible way forward. Would raise money at one end, save money at the other and take money out of the hands of crime.

Brown was a nutter who regularly used to ignore sound advice in order to chase his dwindling popularity.

I read recently that he's asked an astonishing 3 questions in the commons on behalf of his constituents. They're simply not being represented. He treats his seat like some kind of Lairdship.

[The_Exile]

I'd rather bump in to 10 guys stoned on hash than 10 guys smashed on booze, therefore we should legalise it, Friday and Saturday nights would be complete silence on the streets. Vulcan logic, am I wrong? :greengrin