September 24, 2012
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Drugs
One of my favorite things to debate about is the legalization and regulation of drugs, though few people agree with me. (And that’s all right, some days I am not even sure I agree with my ideas.)
Anyway, historically many things were legal, common and acceptable that are no longer seen this way. Here is a brief tour.
Absinthe – A very highly alcoholic liqueur, or spirit, that has a psychoactive effect. Although it has been in existence since 1550 BC in ancient egypt, it was banned in the US in 1915. It was particularly popular in France and served in all cafes and bistros. “After having been banned for over a century in most countries, Absinthe is re-establishing itself as a (legal) cult favorite, and the drink of choice for people looking to become inebriated as quickly as possible.”
Cocaine – Used as a cure all, it was popular in drinks (Coca Cola) and a numbing agent for all ailments, including toothaches for children.
“Mrs. Winslow’s Soothing Syrup was an indispensable aid to mothers and child-care workers. Containing one grain (65 mg) of morphine per fluid ounce, it effectively quieted restless infants and sm
all children. It probably also helped mothers relax after a hard day’s work. The company used various media to promote their product, including recipe books, calendars, and trade cards such as the one shown here from 1887.”
Opium – For rest, of course!
Heroin – Bayer has always had a handle on pain!
Though none of this is new news, it still makes me smile to see the old ads. After prohibition, things were much better regulated. Mid to late 20th century offered cures with Valium, methamphetamines, and treatments for disorders of various types – remember the lobotomy?
Today we are dealing with other types of legal and illegal drugs (and legal drugs that will soon be illegal and illegal drugs becoming legal) – with some of the big ones being Prozac, Ritalin and anti-anxiety meds.
I am a believer in regulation, and I know that all drugs are not created equally. However, if the government would use their resources to develop, test, regulate and tax drugs of all varieties rather than to find a reason to not allow them (I am not just talking about illegal drugs here, I am also talking about new therapeutic drugs for chronic and terminal diseases), our country would have much more money, fewer people in prison, lower crime, and more treatment options for ill people.
This isn’t the first time I have posted about this, and I do understand and mostly agree with the objections I have heard. Drugs ruin people’s lives. But I would hope that with regulation and the elimination of the criminal elements, the effects of drugs wouldn’t be so negative.
Ok, maybe I am a dreamer.
Comments (95)
Society is now so overly concerned with being PC I don’t know what the next step is… government enforced straight-edge?
i know the war on drugs is yet another war we are losing. i think your argument makes sense.
YES
The thing is, those drugs were not seen as harmful until we developed the knowledge and technology to see otherwise. There will always be people abusing drugs, even if it is legalized and regulated. People who are drug addicts will always look for a better fix. I can see it now “dude, that government shit is crap, try this harder dope its bangin”.
I don’t do drugs, but I don’t completely agree with the fact that some are illegal. I know that some really are harmful, and I think that those ones should be banned. but I don’t really think that marijuana along with other drugs should be illegal. I will never do drugs myself, but I know that some of them help. but at the same time I have seen people on drugs do stupid things. I don’t think that some drugs should be illegal, but I do think that there should be laws on drugs as there are limits on alcohol.
I remember reading about the fact that actual cocaine was in coca-cola at one point in its’ early existence. Didn’t know the rest. Thanks for the information.
I had a friend who smuggled in some absinthe from Europe because apparently the stuff in America is nothing like it is over there. I didn’t see what the big deal was. I wasn’t ripping out trees by their roots and I wasn’t murdering babies.
I agree with you 100%. people should have the right to do whatever they want to their bodies as long as it doesn’t hurt others. Oh, and the ads are certainly funny
I like you. <3 I agree!!!
As a parent, I just wish I could make illegal drugs disappear forever.
@Thatslifekid - Haha, when I read this I saw government enforced “strap ons”.. OK, maybe I should go to bed now.
@promisesunshine - Losing wars is expensive business.
@ShimmerBodyCream - I will make it happen for you!
@UnconventionalButterfly - That is a scenario that could happen, yes. But every age, every generation, every year provides new technology and knowledge – that is something that will never change. I think we should put that to work in the way that makes the most sense. The most sense to me, of course
@jordon@revelife - I have seen alcohol destroy more lives than drugs as well. And despite my position on drugs, the only habit I have is nicotine!
@Shadowrunner81 - Thanks Dan! Nice to see you on again!
@BoulderChristina - especially the ones we got no business being in and because we are america land of the free and the we don’t back down from a stance no matter what.
@godfatherofgreenbay - Good thing about the babies, though it would be kind of cool to see you rip out a tree here and there
@promisesunshine - Heck ya! That’s what running this nation like a business is all about! http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/running-america-business-daily-show-audits
@heckels - It seems so simple, doesn’t it? How are you tonight?
@EmilyandAtticus - I like you too! Thanks!
@TheTheologiansCafe - I understand, and as a parent, I want to make the world a safer place.
@BoulderChristina - i’m gonna have to save the gem for in the morning. looks great.
@promisesunshine - Nerd humor, and it’s breaking my stay out of politics rule! Haha, funny shit though!
@BoulderChristina - i seem to be breaking that rule now too. you’re a heart breaker, drink maker, love tkaer. don’t you mess around with me. (i’m all kinds of silly this evening)
i’ll have to ponder this…
for now i’ll state hugs (from a woman) are way better…
breasts are involved…
I agree with you. Drugs should be legalized, it would cut down on crime; moreover it might keep those who would chose safer as they won’t have to deal with drug dealers or drugs that have been cut with who knows what.
Bayer has a handle on a lot more than just that, however, I’ll be a good girl.
The question of drugs’ legality and benevolence (or lack) is timeless. One must first define “drug” to even begin to form an answer. Those who say simply that drugs are bad, or even just the illegal ones, are jumping to a huge conclusion, first about what constitutes a drug, and the fallibility of the law to serve the the people in their best interest. To be clear, a drug is anything from angel dust, to marijuana, to chocolate, to the very hormones our own bodies produce.
Clearly not all illegal drugs are harmful. Case in point, prohibition in the early 20th century. For years it was illegal to buy or sell alcohol in the United States, but the law was repealed by popular demand and because it resulted in an explosion of organized crime and illegal trafficking. The same is happening now in this country with marijuana, which is far less harmful than alcohol IMO. Our courts are clogged with marijuana related cases and otherwise innocent people are serving harsh sentences for mere possession. The law must be tempered with reality; can and should it be enforced? If the answer is no then it needs to be repealed.
As for legal drugs. We live in dark times when the big pharmaceutical companies have the medical systems under their thumb, and prescription medication is the new religion of mental health professionals. Consequently, if you go to your doctor with a headache, you might walk out of her office with 6 prescriptions for various antidepressants, anti-psychotics, anti-epilepsy meds, and such. If you’re not happy with life, we have a medication for you! It is a slippery slope and I am nervous about where it leads.
I’m happy to say I currently do no drugs, legal or otherwise, but I recognize the therapeutic and medicinal benefits of most – including marijuana. It is my hope that the medical/pharmaceutical and legal systems are soon fixed. It’s a serious issue.
@BoulderChristina - Another part of my position, is that if it is illegal, then people should not be doing it. I do not agree with those who silently do illegal drugs. I think that if these things were legal, that people would do them less, simply because peer pressure would go down. people always want to look cool, and one of the best ways is to go against the law. it really would solve some issues with crime. but at the same time, what about all those people released out of the prison system because the reason that they were in prison is not legal? that is a lot of men and women who would get out of prison. what would they do when they got out? there are no jobs for them out here in the U.S. economically, I do not see it potentially helping this country.
Dear Christina,
Here it is. 9pm. I gotta get up tomorrow morning at 5.
And guess where I am.
Xangduh!
When they played Imagine during the Olympics, I wondered if anyone who’d okayed the song had actually listened to the lyrics.
I’m an expert at…..
uh, what were we talking about?
I’ve written profusely about the legalization of drugs for many years. I’d probably still take recreational drugs (Is that good schtuff? Ask Mikey. What do you think Mikey? Mikey LIKES it!)
if they were legal and the price wasn’t so expensive.
I’m bipolar, so possibly would have been on some kind of “anxiety” drug (like my late roomie Joel, who took prozac for years) if I’d ever looked into actually being diagnosed. However, even with cholesterol drugs, etc, prescribed by my doc, I try to do whatever is in my power so I don’t have to take the pill.
I guess I don’t want to have to take something because a doctor recommended it, but if it gives me some kind of thrill and I’m in charge of the “high” (like, don’t drink and drive, etc.) then it’s okay.
The war on drugs will never be over. Like any other capitalist product, the legalization of at least marijuana would positively impact the economy.
It’s a mess out here in California now that the gov’t is trying to regulate the medical marijuana dispensaries, and decided to close them all down after they thought they were “legal” for the past five years.
Michael F. Nyiri, poet, philosopher, fool
(And I sure wish they get over their heebie jeebies about cloning before I kick the bucket.)
I’d like to see another post on this, with whatever views and facts/information you use in your discussions.
interesting, and I generally agree.
@plantinthewindow - I thought we were friends then? It was forever ago, here you go: http://boulderchristina.xanga.com/759888348/the-real-cost-of-the-war-on-drugs/
@baldmike2004 - The positive economic impact would be worth it alone. Thanks, Mike!
@skeptic42 - It’s as if you were able to articulate the mess that floats in my mind, well said! I am not even sure what to add, you summed up my point perfectly. Thank you!
@BoulderChristina - okie doke. I probably just had another memory slip. my apologies. I’ll go read.
@Broom_Service - Haha, I think I know where you were headed with this one… The funny thing is I was sidetracked because I was originally reading about the way doctors handled hysteria for women, and let me tell you, those were the good old days!! Haha, well, I forget you are a new friend because I have been reading your husband for so long, I apologize about my snarky humor sometimes.. I can’t wait to meet you in person, I am sure we will have much to chat about!
@plantinthewindow - No, that probably sounded like I expect you to read every post. Sorry! It just seems like we had a discussion about it, but that is probably my memory slipping
@Erika_Steele - Safety is key, and getting rid of street crime (street drug crime anyway) would make America sooo much better place to live.
@xplorrn - Boobs are like the magic bullet, they make everything better!
@promisesunshine - I thought you were a joker, a smoker, a midnight toker… Sure don’t want to hurt no one…
You already know I totally agree with you on this…penalizing them isn’t really working much and it make ‘em more attractive but also a lot more difficult to track and control, also the ban generates a lot of violence and way too many resources are spent in an issue that should be treated like alcohol and/or tobbacco, a personal choice for grown ups.
@UnconventionalButterfly - Not necessarily. Heroin back when it was sold out of sears catalogs were dosed out correctly and regulated and came in pre filled, clean syringes so it was actually much much safer than it is now. Also, legal, regulated drugs are way better than what is on the street and people who use drugs aren’t all “looking for a better fix.” Those are people who have addictive personalities in general, if it wasn’t drugs it would be food or collecting rocks.
I don’t understand why Alcohol is legal considering the DEA’s standards.
@BoulderChristina - Yep. Now doctors would be arrested for treating female hysteria that way.
What’s wrong with snarky humor?
I’m looking forward to meeting you too.
@xXxlovelylollipop - I do know that this is one of the issues we agree completely. How are you lady? You’ve been on my mind today
@Saridactyl - Public pressure. Prohibition is the best example in American history that illustrated what the people can do. They do still control what they can with 3/2 beers only being available in some states, dry counties, alcohol restrictions on certain days, etc. The truth is that the people demanded alcohol, and the government had no choice but to listen. The same is happening with marijuana. I hope that the economic benefits that come from legalizing even pot will convince the gov’t that there is money to be saved and made by the legalization of drugs.. But right now the public fears them (with good reason) so they demand legal protection from the use of it. What some people don’t seem to understand is that making this operate outside the law is only putting them at risk, not in the safe arms of the law.
Wow, I am on a rant tonight!
@BoulderChristina - I know, I’m sorry for that. I’m okay, worked out like a crazy lady today and i feel sore but great
Ahem. As a parent, which of course makes me the foremost authority on everything under the sun, the last thing I would want is for dangerous drugs to be legalized and subject to distribution control as are tobacco and alcohol. The black market was the only easy way my minor child could easily obtain crystal meth. If it had been hard to get, she might have been going out into the woods collecting various Pedicularis and Scutellaria species! She might have twisted an ankle or got sprayed by a skunk or something really dangerous like that.
Oh, heck, I’ll save my rant for a couple o’ weeks. I expect to be in the company of intelligent, rational adults right around that time.
I disagree that legalizing drugs would reduce crime, it would only shift the crimes. We’d have more drug-high related crimes. I grew up in a family that did drugs, it is not safe. It’s bad enough that people abuse alcohol. I don’t think we need to add more “okay” drugs to the list. People claim pot is not so bad, but IME people high on pot don’t respond to situations well. I was often scared as a child that nobody would be able to help me if something bad happened. I find the notion quite scary.
As an advocate of personal liberty, I do not think the government has the right to tell me what I can and cannot eat or drink. Drugs included. Though I myself will never do drugs and have never had the desire to do drugs, I don’t think it is the government’s place to dictate what people do to their own bodies when they are not infringing on the rights of anyone else.
I also believe that we would end up crushing the drug cartels that are overtaking our southern border if drugs were legalized. Keeping drugs illegal essentially keeps the drug cartels well funded and dangerous. Take away their money, they lose their power. Just look at what happened when we ended Prohibition.
I am voting in Nov. for the legalization of pot here in Washington state. If people are going to lay that much for it the state needs to get their finger in there and get some tax money out it.
honestly, when i think about the ramifications of this generation being set loose with these kinds of drugs legalized it makes me want to move into a cabin on a mountain and kill any human thing that comes near me. aren’t people shitty enough without drugs?
The “smart-ass” in me says legalize some drugs and tax the crap out them. And when you drive under the influenece, prosecute them. Oh yeah, isn’t that what is “supposed” to happen when you have too much to drink. And YET there are people who ARE driving with out their liecence. We lost the WAR on drugs. Time to re-think things here. Gotta love the old ads. Had a decent laugh. After my Monday, I needed it.
I’m still up in the air about it. Even if it’s legalized and regulated, there’s the cost of enforcing the regulations. The cost of collecting those taxes, etc. Look at how much of an issue the black market cigarettes are and how they still go after moonshiners. Then there’s the added cost of the age limits and enforcing those.
To me, it’s a small issue and toward the bottom of my importance list. When I finally get the research done (cost of drug war now, vs potential cost of enforcing regulations) and look at the comparison of the rate of alcoholism before, during and after prohibition, I may finally make a decision. But for now, either way is fine with me as I don’t do any drugs lol
Why would the gov’t ever legalize & tax weed really? The best racket they could have is already ongoing. Bring it in, bust for possession, take the property, imprison the user, and put them to work making blue jeans for walmart.
Of course it was a part of our diet for thousands of years. The worst nightmare too grass would be Monsatano.
@BoulderChristina - I’m interested in your idea of government enforced strap-ons. Please elaborate.
I agree with what you’ve said and have really enjoyed following up on all of the comments.
A good discussion starter!
I don’t think that they should be regulated or illegal. How can the government have the right to prohibit a person from doing what they will with their body? Or alternatively, how can I not have the right to ingest whatever I please?
Speaking as a sister to two brothers who have struggled with drug addiction, I will say that dealing with legal battles on top of addiction is not conducive to helping them. And drugs being illegal hasn’t stopped anyone from actually doing them. I also don’t believe in taxing specific substances. “Sin taxes” are one more way to look like an attempt at legislating morality- I think they really just want an excuse to grab more money from people. I’m not okay with that.
PS I’m glad you’re back. You always have interesting posts.
@firetyger - True that. Have you seen Lawless? That was a great movie. Go if you can.
@BoulderChristina - Exactly… a safer/better place for ur kids, and how are we doing them any favors by drinking or getting high, or putting up with neighbors that have a disregard for the fact kids live around them…
I currently live in an apartment, we downsized, so we can later buy a house. With that said the woman who lives above me didn’t take into consideration as she smoked pot above me that my windows were open! Not only do I not need to breath it in as I do car pool, I don’t need my kid high… most drugs are so self absorbed in their own addictions they don’t think with common sense!
If people had a true sense of right and wrong we wouldn’t need laws, and I’m saying that as I live in California that is known as the NANNY STATE, and I hate others ignorance means more laws that tell me how to live.
If people were so deeply engrained with a sense of right and wrong we wouldn’t need “laws”, not just to protect others but in some cases from themselves. I hate that I need to be told my kid needs a car seat/booster in the nanny state of California (where I live), but morons that don’t have common sense are why we have labels on McDonald’s cup that say “HOT”. I personally get tired of people pretending crime will magically go away once drugs are legal. The fact is crime will go up, ask those here in CA that have a license to grow pot, and find themselves a target and robbed?!?! And I don’t want to be the neighbor next to these idiots. Than the issue of the Zombie, naked people, that do bath salts and foam at the mouth while biting the faces off others… I sometimes wonder if we need a form of Aussie states where hopefully people like this are fixed so innocent lives aren’t born into their drug addiction, delusions, and chaos/crime it creates. Barbaric thinking, but some of us can function in perfectly sober lives, and don’t need drugs to wind down, relax, and I too have back pain and migraines but it doesn’t mean I than ruin my kids lives to get the munchies. There is a reason cocaine was taken out of Coca-Cola (hence how the soda got its name). I just don’t understand why people think they need to make an excuse to get high, that use drugs as an escape rather than fix the core issues/problems, and that functioning addicts see no problem with who they drag down with them. If they were sober they wouldn’t have a lack of morals/ethics, and yes science has proven that it creates a chemical imbalance to get drunk and/or high.
The one positive about those who need to get drunk or high is it gives my kids and I am better edge… emotionally, mentally, and definitely in the work place. I raise my kids to do more than live from pay check to pay check, have a higher purpose in life, and not do things that drag them down… misery loves company and that is why drunks and druggies stick together keeping each other down to their level
In CA you can already get SSI if you can’t hold a job and remain sober… how is it fair to those of us who thrive and do something positive with our lives to pay for those who choose to ruin theirs? Sin tax? Seriously… we drag down more people by making it legal (pretend it isn’t a social disease dragging down ethic even more), create more crime, and use youth entering the voting polls to get it legal… I actually when the law went up for vote, voted to legalize pot in California, but for cancer and terminal illness… now every druggy that refuses to sober up and be productive in life has one and makes it impossible to support social programs for those with real issues like blindness, unable to walk, or mentally handicap… selfish druggies take not just from those that get stuck with the bill like us but those who deserve those social programs and help
@firetyger - I agree but addicts often infringe on our rights & a lot of ppl don’t do things bc the fear threat of breaking the law….take that away & you’ve got Mob mentality or chaos.The way society is today I believe given full liberty on drugs etc you would see an increase of DWIs & all the issues that come with addicts.
Just like guns, responsible ppl using drugs wouldn’t be the ones to worry about….things are just not that simple…as to make everything mind /body altering legal….
woww
When I bought my practice from an old general surgeon, I inherited a patient who would require cocaine every six months or so. He had cancer and was terminal. I continued to prescribe that to him until his death a couple of years later.
Good post.
Great post, Christina. Awesome way to start my day. I was just talking with somebody about how much Ritalin and the diagnosis of AD(H)D see to be handed out like candy nowadays. My biggest problems are with Coca and Marijuana. There are 4 types of people: the People that Ban stuff, the People who Sell stuff (for super cheap and with added chemicals; gross), and well, they all ruin it for the People who Use stuff. All while the People Who Don’t Care about the stuff either way, don’t even have a say in the matter anyway. Fact is, specifically with those two “drugs,” they’ve been around for thousands of years, and people were just fine . Who messed things up?
@BoulderChristina - just laughed my heiney off. that was great.
USA Today has a front page article on drug use and painkillers in today’s edition. One point was made by someone the quoted. It went something like this. States are legalizing marijuana has given youth the impression that it is a medicine and good for them and usage is up.
@HappierHeathen - Or you may be in the company of inebriated, goofy, vacationing folks then.. who knows? I am looking forward to it!
@TiredSoVeryTired - And I don’t disagree with any of your sentiments. I could be mistaken with the notion that regulation and legalization would make things safer for our community, but I just hate to see the effects of drugs on people when they are uncontrolled. Not too long ago there were multiple deaths around here because meth was being cut with something lethal (as if the ingredients aren’t already lethal) and people were dying horrible overdose deaths. I believe that if it were better regulated, taxed and controlled that the effects wouldn’t be as devastating. But this is all my humble opinion, and I am very aware that I could be completely wrong.
@firetyger - Can I hear a heck ya??? That’s is exactly what I think – cartels, organized crime, pushers and peddlers. Think of how many fewer prisons we would need, and fewer criminals. But, I could be wrong. There’s always that.
@ZSA_MD - As a medicine cocaine is a pretty good pain reliever but unfortunately it is too hard to unlearn how to make it less of a pleasure drug.
Edgar Cayces also recommended the active ingredient of Coca Cola.
@Grannys_Place - Exactly. Gambling states have money for education, imagine what MJ states can do.
@iones_island - Shitty people exist high and sober, so I don’t think drugs will change that.
@Zoz36 - Thanks so much sweetie!
@grim_truth - Haha, you agreed with me last time! http://boulderchristina.xanga.com/759888348/the-real-cost-of-the-war-on-drugs/
@saturnnights - You would think it would be obvious to legalize it, but sometimes things get missed!
The Tobacco industry now has the tobacco farmer lobby on its side to help regulate tobacco. Unfortunately for marijuana its farmers are not a cohesive group and you would think the fiber side of growing hemp could help grow the Pot farmer lobby.
Which addiction is harder to break, tobacco or marijuana? Both are very addicting and definitely laws preventing youth from using either one could help stop the number of people from increasing……in a sort of ideal world. Hence the big pause in preventing marijuana from being completely “legal”.
@boxedwine - Thanks so much!
@BoulderChristina - Inebriated and goofy are good, especially in concert with each other. We’re quite proficient in that regard.
@BoulderChristina - “Shitty people exist high and sober” exactly my point.. no need to exacerbate the issue with mind altering substances. but we disagree.
Considering what I take or have taken for the Fibro, I wouldn’t judge a single soul and have had some close friends who have been all the way strung out and come back from the edge. As well as a husband who turned into a dealer and never did get his act together. Interesting parts of my life.
The one drug I wish they would legalize is weed. Thank heavens Cali allows us access to it because it is a life saver at least for me.
You can use and abuse anything out there and some times we are our very worse enemies.
It’s a hell of a conversation no matter what.
@Kris0logy - “I agree but addicts often infringe on our rights & a lot of ppl don’t do things bc the fear threat of breaking the law….take that away & you’ve got Mob mentality or chaos.The way society is today I believe given full liberty on drugs etc you would see an increase of DWIs & all the issues that come with addicts.”
If/when they infringe on another’s rights, then they will be punished by law. Just as we do now with those who are drunk and break the law. Just because some people will choose to become addicts (as people already do) does not mean it is the government’s responsibility to keep them from doing so. Each person is responsible for themselves. A Nanny state government is not what America was meant to be and I would not support it ever being such. The government should not be able to tell me what I can have for dinner, how much sugar can be in my soda, or whether or not I choose to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or consume drugs as an adult.
I’m no friend of drugs or cigarettes. I believe they are mostly unhealthy and a waste. But it is not for me to decide for fellow citizens what they will do with their own bodies.
@WaitingToShrug - I haven’t seen it. But I should
@BoulderChristina - We could be wrong. But looking back at Prohibition and also seeing how much of a failure the “War on Drugs” has been…I think it is worth a shot.
@BoulderChristina - no, that was the other Grim, not me. I was overseas at the time lol.
I read an article a while back that was going over the added costs of all the smoking bans, and how much it costs to enforce them. I really think it’s a lose lose situation no matter how we look at it, or how we attack it.
Can’t condone increasing legalization of drugs for both the potential dangers to the user and others.
Some drugs are highly addicting to the point where the person will forsake everything else in their lives just to have it. A person who comes into contact with such a drug will have their lives altered forever. We already see this time and again with alcohol for those susceptible to alcoholism. Increasing the legality of drugs will only make them more readily available and thus more likely to be abused.
The secondary and just as if not more important reason against are the potential “victims” of drug users. I would like my airplane pilot or bus driver to not have the freedom to take addictive mind altering drugs for the benefit of my own safety. I would like other drivers on the road not to be high and be more likely to cause serious accidents. These problems exist today but increasing availability will only make them much worse. Legalizing them would only increase their acceptance. There are many occupation where a person on drugs poses a serious danger to the community they serve.
@BoulderChristina - Alcohol is regulated and measured out (sold in certain sizes, sold in certain alcohol percentages) but that hasn’t ended alcohol poisoning deaths or stopped binge drinking. I would bet our greatest problem with drugs is alcohol. Legalization hasn’t made it better, only made it acceptable. But I hear you on wanting to do something to reduce drug related death and injuries. I’m not sold that legalization is a solution that would work.
@MzSilver - Hey lady. how are you? I am sorry I have been gone so much lately and I hope your life has been manageable at least.
@SoullFire - I agree and disagree at the same time. I agree with all of your points, but I also see the possibility of a better future if they were controlled. For example, meth was used legally since WWII (or one?), then as a diet pill and a stimulant for OTR drivers. It wasn’t found illegal until the war on drugs when it was taken away from the pharmacies and cooked in rural kitchens cut with deadly ingredients. It wasn’t addictive or destructive until it was placed in the hands of criminals. I know there are holes in my idea and the good thing is it will never be proven right or wrong because it will never happen. I just think the economics of it, the taxation and regulation, could only make things better. And we will never know if that is true or not
You can legally import Absinth now with decent thujone levels, I bought a bottle and had many good drinks with it, mixing it with black current juice, similar to a “black pernod” drink that I developed a liking to in england. Now the effects of thujone are a crock… I can tell you, I’ve had plenty with very high levels, it is just like caffeine. There are no hallucinations caused. Reports of these effects go back a hundred years or greater, and they were caused by lead, copper, and mercury poisoning. So in this instance, a perfectly good drink has been banned for ages with no reason
If you like the taste of anise (black licorice) then it’s a nice drink to try.
I also have been thinking also about this fact: personal liberties in regards to issues like these and anti-war beliefs used to be part of the democratic party’s platform, but today, these are the first beliefs to be thrown under the bus.
has the writer, or any of you, actually taken any of these drugs?