“'£15 victim surcharge? Err ... what victim?'

Her customers”

“The main reason why I feel I have to divulge my very personal problem with cannabis, is that if I state my opposition to legalisation without doing so, people tell me that I do not know what I am talking about.

BUT I DO KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT.”

“@quadley
'Pyronaut where are the dealers selling alcohol to underage children?'

Shopkeepers have frequently sold alcohol to my underage children.”

“@raverbaby
'your experience of cannabis is not typical of everyones elses and as such it does not reflect an accurate portrayal of the drug.'

I never said my experience was typical of everyone else's. But it is typical of a lot of peoples' experience. And it is an accurate portrayal of the reality of the drug for many people. To deny this is to say something straightforwardly false.

'The debate doesnt evolve solely around you!!'
I never said it did. In fact, I intensely dislike talking about my personal problems in a public forum. But when people say things about the supposedly benign nature of weed, which I KNOW from my personal experience to be false, I feel compelled to speak out.

People need to remeber that prohibition HAS NOT worked. This isnt a debate on whether we A) legalise cannabis or
B) make it dissapear. It is about whether we continue to let dealers govern the market and reap the rewards or whether it is legalised and monitored. either way it will still be available.

... or C) Enforce the law properly.

Having said which, I will now light my pipe, smoke myself stupid, and hide from my friends yet again. I am what you will probably become in 20 years time. Don't forget this.”

“@dungbob
'However, if someone were to use another substance which traditionally makes them a bit laid back, and inclined to eat lots whilst watching really bad films, then the response is to lock them up.'

Firstly, you downplay the effects of this drug. Cannabis is a highly addictive substance which wrecks mental health. Secondly, you exaggerate the punishment. This was the woman's 5th offence, but she wasn't locked up; she was fined £150, plus £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge. It says so in the article.”

“Isn't it strange how it's perfectly acceptable for people to gather in large numbers until late in the night, creating huge amounts of work for police, hospitals and the council, not to mention the anti-social behaviour that is compulsory under the influence of this substance. Somehow, this is perfectly acceptable, completely legal and fully endorsed by government at all levels, and taxed for profit too. There are also long-term health problems/addiction which cost the NHS (i.e. you and me) millions. There are countless people killed by those driving under the influence of this substance, and yes, plenty of shops willing to sell to those under age to keep everyone happy.
However, if someone were to use another substance which traditionally makes them a bit laid back, and inclined to eat lots whilst watching really bad films, then the response is to lock them up.
Personally, I'm not sure I consider that to be progress, or reflective of a twentyfirst century society.
And next time D, don't bag it up”

“Yeah well said Pyro!! Not!!! The goverment wouldnt be able to slap a stupid price on it because as soon as they did the whole scene would go underground again.

& brand Logo may i suggest you focus your efforts more on resolving your own drug issues before preaching to everyone else - your experience with cannabis is not typical of everyones elses and as such it does not reflect an accurate portrayal of the drug. Many Many people have had nothing but good times whilst using it and have gone on to have successful careers, a great family and a lively social life. The debate doesnt evolve solely around you!!
People need to remeber that prohibition HAS NOT worked. This isnt a debate on whether we A) legalise cannabis or
B) make it dissapear. It is about whether we continue to let dealers govern the market and reap the rewards or whether it is legalised and monitored. either way it will still be available.

By legalising cannabis we can at least gain some control over who can purchase the drug and also the country can benefit from the tax collected and the jobs created. if it stays illegal then all the negatives that have been banded about on this forum WILL STILL REMAIN.

Peolple need to put common sense first here.”

“Pyronaut where are the dealers selling alcohol to underage children?”

“Well said Pyro”

“Do people actually believe that legalising canabis would stop dealers? It would make no difference because they supply to underage users and would simply push harder into that market. They also doubtless deal in various other substances as well - so again, no difference. It would simply mean that the government could slap a stupid price on it and make even more money!!”