Bruce Mirken on CNBC Reports 04/16/2009
Comments (63)
April 17, 2009
April 17, 2009
MPP’s Bruce Mirken debates the benefits of taxing and regulating marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol on CNBC Reports. This policy change is being considered as a means to greatly reduce the current violence in Mexico surrounding drug cartels.
The opinions expressed below by our viewers and posters do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Marijuana Policy Project. These views are those of the individual authors alone. MPP does not condone or support the illegal use of marijuana. We do encourage open and frank discussion, but if a comment has been posted that is in some way significantly inappropriate, please e-mail us at socialnetwork@mpp.org to report it. Thank you, and we're looking forward to what you think!
63 Comments, Comment or Ping
mark
We need to keep this up. More and more people are now talking about this, but we need more media. Contact your local media and let them know that this is a big issue to you.
Apr 17th, 2009
David C.
Aaaaaaah, Bruce, I feel for you having to speak to numbskulls like this John character. The guy is a clown. Nobody can take the kind of false rhetoric he was spitting out seriously anymore and it certainly shows here.
John actually resorted to blaming alcohol. He had nothing and ran out of fire before he even started.
The arguments (if you can even call them that) get weaker and weaker and weaker…
Good job, Bruce. You’re strong when you speak and you speak well. Keep it up!
Apr 17th, 2009
Nick
NICE, good job Bruce!
Apr 17th, 2009
will
props to bruce yall keep up the good work!
Apr 17th, 2009
B
Obviously this idiot John doesn’t want to end the drug war because he and thousands of others would lose their jobs. That’s why he keeps lying thru his teeth and he knows it. It’s the same political rhetoric that’s been going on for ages. STOP THE LIES!!!
Perhaps they should send all the DEA to fight in Afghanistan so they won’t lose their jobs and the enormous drug war budget.
QUIT ARRESTING AMERICANS or ANYONE for that matter!!! I hate the thought of paying taxes just so they can arrest non-violent criminals.
This country will never change as long as we have idiots like JOHN continuing to spread these awful lies.
Apr 17th, 2009
Ron
Thank you again, Bruce. It seems that now there is another issue along with the big 2 that are sure to cause an argument i.e. Religion and Politics. Marijuana Regulation seems to be the new 3rd thing that’s guaranteed to piss-off and polarize any room. I love it! I also enjoyed seeing the commentator himself immediately refuting John’s first lie.
On a personal note, I’ve always been able to get Alcohol and I never do because I cannot stand it. I’d like to shake the hand of the first guy to make Whisky; the guy who picked it up, smelled it and then took a DRINK of it! All Alcohol is repulsive to me and I cannot even drink now because I take medication for an illness. I guarantee that even if there was a rise in Marijuana use after the Regulation took place, after the novelty wore off, it would drop off to a level to exactly where it is now!
In addition, I believe that what should define and separate the categories of drugs are the actions a person takes after ingesting it. Those actions should be punishable only if a person infringes upon the rights and liberties of another, or are seriously endangering themselves or others.
MARIJUANA IS AND HAS BEEN LEGITIMATE MEDICINE FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How miss-informed can this person get? I’d bet my last buck that part of what was in those peace-pipes was Marijuana.
Bruce, you have my respect.
Apr 17th, 2009
Bob
Great job Bruce I just wish at the end you would asked John if he uses marijuana and when he said no asked if it were legal would he just to get the point across that if you dont use it now whats gonna make you want to when its legal you could have made him debunk his own argument that demand will skyrocket and cause more problems.
Apr 17th, 2009
Christina W
Thank you for holding your own and arguing this point calmly and rationally on national television. This type of thing is what we need to see more of. I think it is really important to stress the fact that drug dealers do not ask for ID and do not care how old a person is–they’ll still sell them drugs because drug dealing is all about the money, not the morals. If mj were sold in liquor stores to people over 21, the clerks are not about to risk their jobs and jail time selling to minors. I know because I am a clerk who works in a store that sells alcohol, and I am very, very careful to check IDs for alcohol and tobacco. I see first hand how the system works. Legalization would make mj less readily available than it is today while illegal. If legalized, yes, usage may spike, but will drop steadily as the novelty of a new privilege wears away. The legalization of liquor did not turn every person into a slobbering drunk. The country lived through it just fine and today no one wants to make it illegal again. We can live through the legalization and regulation of marijuana, too… and after a few years I guarantee that no one would want to go back. Keep up the good work… and keep spreading the word, everyone!
Apr 18th, 2009
Matt
If we can just get a few more bobble heads from the drug prohibition groups like this idiot on TV. We got a great chance. Reallly got to applaud CNBC for giving an outlet to this debate. When the prohibition groups voices are heard it rellly makes them look bad…aka nixon bad! Keep up the good work and Nice job Bruce!
Apr 18th, 2009
Bradson
I caught the CNBC show shortly after watching a Kitty Pilgrim interview, part of CNN’s Lou Dobbs show, of three guys, including a retired US general, about the drug violence in Mexico. There was no mention of prohibition as a cause. There seemed to be no awareness that many in this country are calling for an end to the drug war. It was just the usual call for more of the same. The economic folks at CNBC are so much more practical, realistic and tuned in to the public. Great job, Bruce.
Apr 18th, 2009
Corey
What a tool..I wonder if that guy has a problem keeping alcohol from 3 year olds…
Apr 18th, 2009
robert Vetter
President Obama, where is your science based theology as to why we in America are still waiting for our government to admit to it’s people the Medical benefits of Marijuana, and change it to a legally acceptable Medicine? Quit lying to us and we may start to end this madness.
Apr 18th, 2009
Johnny D
Great job Bruce! I think each of us 15 Million admitted regular smokers should contribute to MPP! Imagine if each of us contributed $10, how much more public awareness and lobbying could be done on our behalf, and how much sooner Marijuana would be legalized, taxed and regulated.
Apr 18th, 2009
Rayvyn
Great job Bruce! It is funny, I went to the local jail yesterday to visit a friend hurt by the economy and inprisioned for child support, while waiting they had an old jail log displayed from 1928, and the page displayed the majority of listings were names, sentences, charges and fines on top of prision time, the majority were alchohol possession, alcohol running, and public intoxication. The fines were hefty, 1-200 dollars, and in 1928 that was a large amount for any typical citizen, and the jail sentences went from anywhere from 30 days to 5 years. I’m sure the entire book was the same. Now to this moron John, no medicinal benefit you say? First of all we all know that is not true, and so did our ancestors, you hypocrite alcohol and cigarettes have no medicinal benifit, and neither does the majority of medicines out there, horrible side effects are not medicinally benificial. When are you and people like you going to realize that were not complete idiots nor gullible. As a matter of fact, John, we employ you, we pay your wages, you work for us, the tax payers. The citizens are growing tired of the lies and manipulations, and the media is started to take notice. What happend to our constitutional rights, liberty and persuit of happiness? People like this John character stand in our way. Didn’t our founding fathers come to this land and build a country to escape this kind of tyranny?
Apr 18th, 2009
Evan
Very nice job. But I do have to say that while answering the opening question well, it came off as if you where trying to dodge the question. I think, while still including the information you gave, you should have debunked the anchor girl’s theory that more hard drugs would be sold.
But great job none the less. You slammed the I-get-payed-to-lie gu hard. And all the anchors where on your side.
Apr 18th, 2009
Neal
He did. He said that “there is no market like that of marijuana” <— saying that if it was legalized then the market for other drugs still is not high enough for the cartels to operate.
Apr 18th, 2009
Keegan
The White House said today (4/18) that legalizing marijuana is off the table and “not an option”, this is extremely disappointing but MPP and NORML nad we, the people, MUST keep this fight up to win
Apr 18th, 2009
Keegan
Why does that man lie out his ass the whole time???? “No medical purpose”?????? are you kidding? There are TOO MANY studies that debunk that little lie there. These people who defend marijuana being illegal lie SO much it’s makes me angry to watch.
Apr 18th, 2009
Tennessee Activist
Mr. Bruce Mirken,
I gotta hand to you, that was most likely the number one brilliant moment of moments. You came accross in defense of your points with a lot of force. Again Bruce, you’ve exposed the idealology stemming from the people directly responsible for blocking the Legalization of MJ. They’re wrong, so wrong for trying to make incorrect statements, all the while making it tougher to end prohibition.
We need to make it legal to slap oppenents in the face for telling such wasteful incorrect data to the public. Well, the bottom line was you lead the horse to water but he didn’t drink.
I can’t believe what some people will do to drive home a wrong statement and be so brain washed that they can’t admit to themselves that they’re wrong. If we expose the benefits opponents get for legislating against MJ, I believe they know they’re fighting a losing battle and would like to see MJ legalized so they can stop they’re embarrassment in the eyes of the world.
Apr 19th, 2009
Vocal Citizen
Well done, Bruce! The next time you’re faced with the “marijuana has no medicinal value” argument, just refer your opponent to U.S. Patent # 6630507. Filed in 2003 under the Bush Administration, this patent solidifies cannabis as not only a pain medication, but a significant tool in treating Alzheimers, Parkinson’s, Crohn’s, spinal cord injuries, and more!
Opponents to sensible drug policy are praying this issue will die out of the recent media attention. We WILL NOT go away!
We must be persistent and tenacious in our push for drug law reform. Keep fighting the good fight, always coupled with polite, rational debate. We will win eventually!
Apr 19th, 2009
Mike in TN
Why are we even commenting on the affects of tobacco and alcohol, anyone who has ever used Marijuana and alcohol knows the only thing they have in common is prohibition. There is no comparing the effects mentally or physically, alcohol is a drug that takes over or deprives you of your senses. Marijuana in comparison is a passive medication that allows people in pain to escape their pain with few side effects. People who argue against the medical use of marijuana have either never been in pain or have never used it so their opinion doesn’t count. I know pain; I live with it every day, and know the relief marijuana can give, so ignorance cannot sway my belief in things I have experienced.
The true issue here isn’t the economie, the drug cartels or someone’s belief that legalization will make it easier to acquire. The true issue should be the right to use a medication that eases the pain people like me live in every day that no other drug legal or otherwise can do.
Apr 19th, 2009
Doug
Thank you Bruce!
I am truly astounded at John Carnival even uttering the statement that marijuana has no medicinal value. John Carnival’s statement is in direct opposition to the American Medical Associations recommendation to the federal government to reschedule cannabis from sched 1 to sched 2, thus acknowledging the medicinal value of marijuana. Johnny boy…… are you really that stupid? John Carnival vs American Medical Association???? John, I spelled your name incorrectly intentially, because CLOWNS really should stay where they belong……. at the Carnival!
I’ll stick with the AMA,
doug
Apr 19th, 2009
alex
holy crap the pro-prohibition argument is always so circular with no truth or substance. It truly makes me want to BARF! It is so messed up that people can’t intelligently figure this out and they rely on other people like this John guy to tell them what to think. No one should ever listen to John, or any person that says outright lies. Nor should anyone blindly follow his word just because he’s some dick who worked under 3 drug czars, who have happen to have all failed completely at their purpose of “winning” the war on drugs. If any of these pro-prohibition people were speaking the truth you think they would have won the war already… opps they failed, they lost, and they just wanna keep fighting their failed war. Idiot slaves they be!
Apr 19th, 2009
One Love
I am beyond mad at the irrational stance our government has taken on drugs. I am beginning to feel like a fool thinking that our government would do something like collapse the DEA just to save a couple thousand lives. This whole Mexico conflict is just an opportunity for more military expansion and wallet stuffings of corperate greed. One day, our government wont just be tip- toeing and dancing around the line, they will effin cross it and I would love to see the chaos. Take Back America! Patriaticalism!
Boats and Hoe’s you federal pieces of crap on my shoe!
Apr 19th, 2009
chris
Anyone notice how around 3:45, one of his arguments for it being illegal is how much money he has invested in keeping it illegal? Seems kind of odd that he would use that as one of his arguments.
Apr 19th, 2009
Drew
Great video!! Thank you Bruce, you are a great person for standing up for all responsile adults… I could not believe he said 4 yr olds….seriously? did you just say that? I was embarrased for him. Made me think, does he actually know what MJ is? Well, I believe he actually helps the argument.
Anyone else see a very large trend here? The timing with the Mexico issue and tax/economy problems… a perfect storm.
Please support the legalization bills in MA and CA! we need to do this state by state, DC is full of these guys, drink in one hand, greased palm in the other.
Apr 19th, 2009
Jacob "Bear" Elert
Bruce,
Watched the video. Make sure you nail him on “It will become more available,” as restriction and regulation would actually make it LESS available.
Also, the guy argues out of his butt. First he says that to compare drugs is illogical, and then at the end of the clip DOES EXACTLY THAT.
I really sincerely hope you read this.
Apr 20th, 2009
Con
Awesome stuff, keep it up. Blast some of the clowns in Arizona that will be trying the same sorry EXCUSES
Apr 20th, 2009
mike
norml’s natiional advertising starts today..
Apr 20th, 2009
David
Keep an eye out for the NORML tv commercials airing today!
Change is here!
Apr 20th, 2009
Rayvyn
Got to get to ONDCP’s stakeholders, knock some common sence into them and support for ONDCP dwindles. Vote these yuppies out of office. This time the whole world is in fact watching, and most snickering at our governments gravy brained idealism. This is our country, we pay for this country, time for them to start doing what they are voted in to do, represent us, the people not themselves and their stakeholders opinions.
Apr 20th, 2009
John
are you serious, the opposition sounds like a broken record and there points make no sense, if this was competitive debate, prohibition just got blown away
Apr 20th, 2009
Christian Conservative
It’s time to put together a plan that addresses the tax/revenue issue as well as the home-grown constituency. How about a National Personal Use and Cultivation Permit. $100 per year; 12 plants; split the proceeds between the Federal and State governments. Put the drug cartels out of business and let ordinary Americans grow a little marijuana in their own back yards.
Apr 20th, 2009
Dr. Fumbles
Best part in that video at ~4:00, “I don’t know why we’re making different drugs a contest here.” Right after he tries to compare marijuana with alcohol and cigarettes.
Apr 20th, 2009
Fred Evil
Excellent video. I find it fascinating that it was essentially Mirken, and three commentators AGAINST the pro-Prohibition guy.
Are those the winds of change? They SHOULD be, Mirken PWNED Carnivale!!
Apr 20th, 2009
Apachurro
Majority rules…..as my observation…. Pro : 4 – No: 1 dumbass…man who has their hand up his ass….WTF? VOTE….advocate….talk about it to family and friends!
Apr 20th, 2009
Ryan
It sure is nice to see the balance shifting in these debates. It used to be 3 drug warriors vs 1 cannibis advocate. About half way through the video you could hear the warriors voice start to tremble a bit. “We the people” aren’t buying the propaganda anymore!!!!!! Reefer Madness is now Drug war Madness. Bruce just owned!!!!!!
Apr 20th, 2009
Emory
Happy Holidays To Every One!
Apr 20th, 2009
Bradson
To the Christian Conservative: You’ve posted that idea before. Can you explain why the home cannabis grower should have to pay for a permit when the home beer maker, wine maker, or tobacco grower does not? How would such a permit be regulated and enforced? Wouldn’t inspectors have to come to our homes to make sure we were following the rules? I don’t want that, and I wouldn’t pay for a permit. Proposals in Cali and elsewhere allow for untaxed, non-comercial home growing. That is sensible and fair.
Apr 20th, 2009
Brian
GOOD JOB JOHN!
You brought up important and true points towards the fact in legalizing marijuana. The legalization of alcohol and it’s ongoing bagage of problems was a great example of why Marijuana should not be legalized. You stayed patient although everyone was against you, you seriously are the man!
Apr 20th, 2009
Brian
Oh and those who do not understand the facts being stated in the video should watch a few more times with these points involved. John, the pro-prohibition guy was never timid but patient. He was very calm towards the brutish tone of the other three guys when they were trying to make there point. These three guys made no argument or persuasive point on why they think John’s views are irrational, but simply tried enforcing that John was wrong by dogmatic aggressive fustration. Just like a child that goes Daddy Daddy Daddy, louder and louder because they want there way now, these three guys implemented the same childish system.
Apr 21st, 2009
Eric L Carter
Nice, keep up the good fight.
Apr 21st, 2009
Jack Eich
comparing heroin and alchohol to pot is ridiculous! cannabis is an herb not a drug. and marijuana is a slang word,cannabis is the real name. this asshole for the government side is an idiot. no one has ever died from weed and it is not addicting. legalize it. buy as much as you can and fuel the drug violence in mexico until the government has no alternative but to legalize it. buy buy buy cannabis.
Apr 21st, 2009
Bill
Nice job, articulate and succinct. Have you ever noticed that people who have no argument believe they win by steadily interrupting? It suggests an innate fear of the opponent’s logic.
Apr 21st, 2009
thinkican
Ha ha ha, that was too funny! That was great! Bruce you kicked his ass in that debate. Very well done, The host of the show are even on board. Keep it up!
Apr 21st, 2009
Troy A
Bruce, you are the freaking man! I’ve said it before, I love watching you take these douche bags apart.
Keep it up guys!
Apr 21st, 2009
Jman
Maybe some day the truth will come out – How the legal drug companies (medical, alcohol, tobacco) and the oil companies have too much at stake to allow cannabis back. Hell they won’t even allow hemp which is the most versatile and prolific plant on earth. This is all about the almighty dollar!
Apr 21st, 2009
Joe Hufford
WOW, the govt guy backpedaled the whole time. He’s obviously full of it. Either he believes the garbage he says and it just an idiot, or he knows better and preaches his junk anyways. Probably just likes his paycheck.
Apr 22nd, 2009
rev.sleezy
Why is it the A,T,F?
Maybe it s/b the A, T, Cannabis&Hemp, F?
Even as far as: This is an agricultural product with many uses. Industrial, paper, fiber, food, recreation and a long list in addition to the first few that come to mind. Just like the wine grape. The vines are used in various sustainable industries, and a whole lot of wine being drunk. Especially in times of trial and tribulation.
End the War on the Citizens of the United States and for the sake of the people in Mexico. It is shameful for the US and the UN to continue it’s crusade of prohibition.
Get US out of the WOD. Now, poeple.
Noe, People.
Rev. Sleezy
Minister
The Universal Life Church of the Holy Smoke.
Apr 22nd, 2009
Marshal
I like how he keeps saying that legalization will somehow increase the demand for weed… “man i thought i wanted a joint before, but now that it’s taxed; I GOTTA HAVE IT MAN!!!!”.
The hypocrisy about this country has no end.
Apr 24th, 2009
Jesse Lee
Those Prohibitionist like John C. are scurvy DOGS running scared! They realize their time is running out. AMERICA (North, Central, South) legalize God’s herb and give every citizen the freedom and liberty ordained by God. Also, we are not talking about marijuana, but we are talking about HEMP, the plant that has the most potential on Earth to create “biomass” (environmentally friendly stuff) ,so we can use it in every day products that help help humanity and the ENVIRONMENT!
Apr 24th, 2009
My Mind Spray
This guy John’s argument is hilarious. If we legalize it, the demand rises and the drug cartels get more money??
Um… If we legalized it, wouldn’t we then be buying it from Americans, who produced it in America?
What planet does this guy live on? Is he incapable of logic?
Overall, this interview came across as an amazing net positive for the legalization movement. Both hosts (the woman did not support or reject either side) saw the logic on Bruce’s side for taxing and regulating, and didn’t take any of John’s crap about “3-year-olds and 5-year-olds” smoking.
He came across as a desperate man clinging to false notions which the general public is seeing through. Amazing job Bruce, but you should have called him on how increased demand after legalization would only benefit Americans, and not the drug cartels (though I understand you were time and voice limited due to the hosts).
Now if only you can do this smackdown on every other station, at least once a week and create a viral video out of it
.
Apr 24th, 2009
Harry J Anslinger made pot illegal
I like pot, it makes me happy, and relaxed, beer makes me sick and nauseated. Pot is a blessing, it was not invented by someone, or cooked up on accident. Pot has been here since before mankind even knew what the hell to do with it. A couple of greedy crackers were gonna have some competition once they found that hemp can be used for anything. So they scared the shit out of christian families and republicans. Now mankinds greatest find is illegal, and we have to fear our own government and police for something that has been used for thousands of years. Harry J. Anslinger can suck it, William Hearst Yeah you can suck it too. John Walters can suck it the most. If you don’t know who they are look them up and thank them for making pot illegal and john walters for keeping it illegal. Now
Apr 25th, 2009
Craig
Nice job, Bruce! Keep up the good work!
Apr 25th, 2009
Richard Savary
Former drug czar official John Carnevale is a typical, dishonest mouthpiece for our unspeakably unjust and dishonest Drug War. He thinks that 3 yos will be using legal MJ? He thinks that MJ is a “dangerous drug?! He thinks that the cartels will just switch to a more dangerous drug?
By and large, no 3 yos use pot now, and if anyone does give pot to 3 yos, now or in the future, that is child abuse, just as would be the case with alcohol or tobacco. There is no reason to believe there would be any increase in the incidence of THAT, simply because a substance already in common use is legalized.
No harm of any kind, unless one counts the actual fact of being buzzed as harm, is caused by marijuana. There are no significant health or public safety effects due to MJ. Doubt me? Show me the evidence. There isn’t any!
The large marijuana market is driven by a desire to use marijuana, NOT by some unfocused craving to get wasted! Most of us DO NOT even care to get wasted (that is one of the beauties of MJ, that it really is difficult to get “wasted”), and if we did, MJ is certainly not the best drug for that; alcohol is much better. MJ users may occasionally use other, similarly benign drugs; they tend to steer away from the dangerous ones. The marijuana market cannot be replaced with just any drug the cartels choose to push, any more than alcohol is a suitable substitute. If it, or anything else were, we would not be so insistent that pot be legalized.
No, marijuana is NOT a decadent choice; it is an inspired, forward and spiritual choice for most of us (I can speak for one of us, at least, for sure!).
No, John Carnevale is a mindless, brainless, thoughtless idiot, an automaton for the Drug War. How a man who, technically, must be intelligent, is a mystery. If his words are even considered, they are considered only in terms of how he can best mislead the timid and the ignorant. Wow! What a creep! Hopefully, fewer and fewer Americans will believe a single word he, or any of his entire ilk, ever says again. His words are, in fact, complete, viscous, calculated lies… aimed at obstructing the inborn rights and freedom of Americans.
Argghh!
Apr 27th, 2009
Paul
What was even better was that the CNBC anchors ended up being on Bruce’s side. Usually the MSM deals frame marijuana the same way giggling high schoolers do.
Apr 27th, 2009
Richard Savary
Pot is obviously a better, cleaner, far less harmful drug than the ones our society permits. The nature of its buzz does NOT produce any of the negative effects of alcohol: it does not produce aggression, violence, or even the overconfidence and rowdiness caused by alcohol. According to the best science, it has a minor effect on driving skills, but a NEGLIGIBLE effect on driving; in fact, pot cannot be causally associated with highway accidents. And pot not only does not cause any serious disease, it is useful in treating many.
Prohibition of marijuana is one of the greatest contradictions of American society. We promote the use of the dangerous drugs, while prohibiting the harmless one(s). We claim so much harm from marijuana, without ANY evidence supporting that claim! When is the last time a drug warrior presented ANY legitimate evidence? I say, they have NEVER presented any evidence that pot is harmful, in any way!
What about “anti-motivational syndrome?” Well, in the late 60’s through the present, millions of Americans have smoked pot throughout their college programs, graduated successfully, often with honors, went on to good jobs and successful careers, and have raised healthy, happy families. WHAT anti-motivation are we talking about?
We throw people in prison, by the thousands, for a crime that is nothing more than disobedience! THAT has no place in a society which claims we are so much more free than any other nation! Talk about contradictions! Talk about hypocrisy! Our “system of justice” has no more respect for justice, and does little more for it, than the very worst criminals! The oh-so-self-righteous drug warriors do far, far more harm than pot use ever will! Yet they seem to be so blind to it…
One day, some day, we will look back on this as a kind of dark ages. Some will always oppose marijuana, about the same insane way some oppose mini-skirts, makeup, low cut blouses on women, nudity, tattoos, long hair on men, short hair on women, high heels, sports cars, Jews, Blacks, homosexuals, etc., etc., etc.! Some will ALWAYS oppose the way some other people are, choose to live their lives, or express themselves. That does not give anyone a right to prohibit ANYTHING!
I myself am uncomfortable with some lifestyles and personal expressions, however, as long as the people who adopt them do not hurt anyone, I vigorously defend their right to make those choices. The first rule, together with security and safety, and perhaps along with some other important values, but AFTER nothing else, must be FREEDOM!
It seems that conservatives have completely forgotten what American values ARE, i.e. what they claim to be fighting for. They are certainly not lies and oppression! If the powers that be will just show the slightest respect for REAL, original American values, as they were handed down to us, we might finally enjoy sanity again.
I know I’m preaching to the chorus, but who else will listen? I’m hoping to reach at least ONE.
Pot is obviously a better, cleaner, far less harmful drug than the ones our society permits. The nature of its buzz does NOT produce any of the negative effects of alcohol: it does not produce aggression, violence, or even the overconfidence and rowdiness caused by alcohol. According to the best science, it has a minor effect on driving skills, but a NEGLIGIBLE effect on driving; in fact, pot cannot be causally associated with highway accidents. And pot not only does not cause any serious disease, it is useful in treating many.
Prohibition of marijuana is one of the greatest contradictions of American society. We promote the use of the dangerous drugs, while prohibiting the harmless one(s). We claim so much harm from marijuana, without ANY evidence supporting that claim! When is the last time a drug warrior presented ANY legitimate evidence? I say, they have NEVER presented any evidence that pot is harmful, in any way!
What about “anti-motivational syndrome?” Well, in the late 60’s through the present, millions of Americans have smoked pot throughout their college programs, graduated successfully, often with honors, went on to good jobs and successful careers, and have raised healthy, happy families. WHAT anti-motivation are we talking about?
We throw people in prison, by the thousands, for a crime that is nothing more than disobedience! THAT has no place in a society which claims we are so much more free than any other nation! Talk about contradictions! Talk about hypocrisy! Our “system of justice” has no more respect for justice, and does little more for it, than the very worst criminals! The oh-so-self-righteous drug warriors do far, far more harm than pot use ever will! Yet they seem to be so blind to it…
One day, some day, we will look back on this as a kind of dark ages. Some will always oppose marijuana, about the same insane way some oppose mini-skirts, makeup, low cut blouses on women, nudity, tattoos, long hair on men, short hair on women, high heels, sports cars, Jews, Blacks, homosexuals, etc., etc., etc.! Some will ALWAYS oppose the way some other people are, choose to live their lives, or express themselves. That does not give anyone a right to prohibit ANYTHING!
I myself am uncomfortable with some lifestyles and personal expressions, however, as long as the people who adopt them do not hurt anyone, I vigorously defend their right to make those choices. The first rule, together with security and safety, and perhaps along with some other important values, but AFTER nothing else, must be FREEDOM!
It seems that conservatives have completely forgotten what American values ARE, i.e. what they claim to be fighting for. They are certainly not lies and oppression! If the powers that be will just show the slightest respect for REAL, original American values, as they were handed down to us, we might finally enjoy sanity again.
I know I’m preaching to the chorus, but who else will listen? I’m hoping to reach at least ONE.
Apr 27th, 2009
fred hood
The same old tired lies as always I say follow the money. Who finances the Drug free American foundation? Liquor cigarettes and the pharmaceutical industry. They contribute to and pay many people to spout the lies and bull shit about legal weed. The same ones that would lose money are the main supporters of keeping it illegal.. SUPRISE?
Cherokee Fred Jesus
Apr 27th, 2009
Leonard
No medical use? This guy has brainwashed himself into believing his own BS. Amazing how he can just sit there and lie – even worse are the folks that believe these lies because they won’t do their own due diligence and get educated. Did you know that the Federal Government has a patent on using Marijuana for treating several medical conditions? I didn’t until Ron Paul pointed it out. Just check out US Patent 6630507 at uspto.gov – the patent is titled “Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants” which is assigned to The United States of America, as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services. Gee sounds like a medical use to me. Don’t worry people. The tide is turning and the louder the liars beat their drums the more they expose themselves. Peace.
Apr 29th, 2009
Christopher
Great job bruce! you’ve done wonderful again.
Apr 29th, 2009
Joe Wilson
It really isnt a matter of if marijuana is good for me or not, its really a matter of putting into my body that wish I wish too put in my body.. It doesnt lead to harder drugs.. if anything leads to other drugs its tobbaco products. You people seem to think you have the right to tell me what is good for me has gone too far.. It needs to be legalized, thats all there is too it.. Its gone on too long.. ALCHOL is a DRUG. and so is TABACCO move them both over to the food & drug administration for openers, then we will have the food & drug administration and firearms will on its own… maybe even break the food/drug administration up into two groups. but then the decision of whats healthy or a drug would become a challenge.. and thats a whole different topic.. END THE WAR ON DRUGS… LEGALIZE IT…
Apr 29th, 2009
Steve Ruhl
Prohibition is a direct, multi-billion dollar subsidy of organized crime where taxpayer dollars are used to make an unregulated, untaxed commodity as valuable as possible. Until we stop this government welfare program for the black market, we can only expect a greater variety of said commodities available on the market. If one wants to regulate the availability of a commodity, they must actually take control of the market and not leave it to organized crime businesses.
Apr 29th, 2009
Will
Bruce does such a great job defending marijuana during this interview it is no wonder he is the communications director for MPP. For every attack that John made he had a rebuttal. I would have loved to see a few case studies mentioned to support the arguments that marijuana is less addictive than alcohol and that it has medicinal side effects (there are plenty out there). Calling all pot smokers . . . be like Bruce and have a civilized debate with opponents of marijuana legalization . . . if you have been to NORML or MPP enough you should be able to defend ANY argument that the opposition makes . . . lets change the status quo of cannabis one narc at a time
Apr 29th, 2009
Reply to “Bruce Mirken on CNBC Reports 04/16/2009”