Re: The States: Mad Scientist Laboratories of Democracy
I think the problem lies with the fact that we have an over addicted population with a complete lack of a health care system to handle it. We tried handling addiction through the criminal justice system and we failed in spectacular fashion. Now we're going to fail again this time in the health care system. And the fallout this time around is going to suck. Big time. Already does for many many people. And nothing sucks more.
Correct. And marijuana IS psychologically addictive to daily (or otherwise habitual) smokers. Just because you don't get the sweats, the shakes, and the sh*ts when you go cold turkey, doesn't mean you aren't an addict.
The problem is that science hasn't caught up with the legalization.
As I understand it, there is no breath test for marijuana in your system. You have to do blood or urine, or possibly saliva, so a quick, easy, "defensible in court" test at the scene is not readily available.
The problem with those tests is that you can test positive for marijuana days or even weeks after you use it. The remnants remain but there is no influence over your motor skills. That leads to the final problem which is that while even with alcohol people may vary slightly in terms of their level of function, everyone loses certain motor skills when under the influence, whereas with marijuana, they are not sure that's true.
All valid points, which I've brought up before when this topic has arisen. The only thing I would add, is that there
are different types of weed, each with varying effects - some types will make you sleepy, others energetic/anxious. IMO, none of those effects is particularly good for driving, so I'd have no problem with a blanket law, pothead hair-splitting be f*ed. Just be happy society isn't throwing you in jail for possession anymore.
Wonder whether our kids have a hope in hell of getting rid of the substance police after driverless cars take over?
Your daughter is part of my generation, so I doubt it, but bigger miracles have happened.
God I hope so.
At my peak I was drinking 8-10 full sugar sodas per day. Did that for about 10 years. I'm down, but only to about 6.
It is actually a little strange that I am not dead.
Anyway, yes. That is addiction.
I think this is the part at which I mention that my late uncle drank at least a couple of 2Ls of Coke a day for over 30 years. He died of pancreatic cancer 4 years ago, and only made it to 52.
My God man, do something. We'd hate to lose our favorite socialist to something as dumb and insidious as King Sugar.
Seriously though. We need to get you addicted to something that has some health benefits. Like coffee or tea.
And none of that carboloaded crap. I'm talking straight black. Straighter and blacker than Shaft.
As the story from my grandmother goes, her father said, "If you're going to drink coffee, you must drink it black." Unfortunately, my mom uses cream, so it skipped a generation.
