07-21-2012, 09:10 PM
"They have busted a few big grow houses around here lately. Most of them are operated by Mexicans. Somebody is supplying all that weed to people who can't buy it for medical purposes, the recreational users. Should they leave those people to their business? Bad use of law enforcement?"
Putting all emotion aside:
Would the above scenario you describe above be happening to the degree it is if marijuana was legalized?
Regulate and tax it instead.
I'm a proponent of punishing poor/illegal behavior and not activity that is none of my business, nor yours.
For example: Get behind the wheel while loaded- either alcohol or marijuana or any stimulant or narcotic (including prescription drugs) and the tolerance should be zero. You're going to jail upon a conviction.
But punishing some surfer in San Diego for having a half smoked joint in his pocket- while doing nothing else deemed illegal- is a waste of your tax dollars.
Again though, if that same individual gets behind the wheel of his 1984 Ford Bronco while drunk and/or stoned, all bets are off.
It's compassion mixed with common sensibilities.
Putting all emotion aside:
Would the above scenario you describe above be happening to the degree it is if marijuana was legalized?
Regulate and tax it instead.
I'm a proponent of punishing poor/illegal behavior and not activity that is none of my business, nor yours.
For example: Get behind the wheel while loaded- either alcohol or marijuana or any stimulant or narcotic (including prescription drugs) and the tolerance should be zero. You're going to jail upon a conviction.
But punishing some surfer in San Diego for having a half smoked joint in his pocket- while doing nothing else deemed illegal- is a waste of your tax dollars.
Again though, if that same individual gets behind the wheel of his 1984 Ford Bronco while drunk and/or stoned, all bets are off.
It's compassion mixed with common sensibilities.