I think most people would define it as the class of drugs that tend to turn people into addict shells of human beings and in the process inflict a bunch of damage on that person's family, friends and society at large: cocaine, heroin, meth and associated derivatives.

Now, criminalization may be counter-productive, and I'm inclined to think it is. But let's recognize what we're dealing with, here, it's not just freedom and rainbows.

Is there hard data on what percentage of people who try these drugs become addicted? I think we need to start there. In school we were told of the many supposedly devastating effects marijuana use had but I see now that was clearly a misinformation campaign designed only to scare us from trying it. We never got anything else and I am guessing most people are basing their opinions on similar misinformation or anecdotes.

"In school we were told of the many supposedly devastating effects marijuana use had but I see now that was clearly a misinformation campaign designed only to scare us from trying it."

It's not a good idea for any kid to try marijuana. It's funny because now it's the exact opposite. There is all kinds of misinformation on how it has absolutely no drawbacks. Most people won't even admit there is a possibility of addiction.

It may not be as bad as they say, but it is definitely a mind-altering drug that can destroy your ambition in life and make it very difficult to succeed.

Pretty much all of my friends that started smoking pot (even the ones that were really smart) all have dead-end jobs and dropped out of school. This and all of the stupid shit that they have done while high make me never want to touch the stuff.

I'm not advocating any kid or anyone try anything or be told they should. I'm advocating a policy of drug legalization based on facts, not fear or the assumed "common sense" of the current prevailing religious hedegmony. In any case you are confusing correlation with causation.

"I'm not advocating any kid or anyone try anything or be told they should. I'm advocating a policy of drug legalization based on facts, not fear or the assumed "common sense" of the current prevailing religious hedegmony. In any case you are confusing correlation with causation."

No, I'm not. I've seen a change that went directly from productive and ambitious individual to not giving a fuck only wanting to get high asshole. No confusion here. The pot is what did it. When some of those people quit, the were themselves again.

"I'm advocating a policy of drug legalization based on facts, not fear or the assumed "common sense" of the current prevailing religious hedegmony."

Ok, as long as we actually outline the adverse health effects of pot and mention stories like mine. You seem to eager to brush these things under the carpet. I feel that pot advocates don't want "facts", they want the public to be told that pot is alright to use. Pretty much all advocacy sites are completely biased and only told about the rainbows and kittens. Even people telling the truth about pot on here are immediately down voted.

All of the people I know, myself included, whoever smoked pot went on to become successful, well-adjusted people in society. Do I take that as evidence that people should smoke pot in order to become well adjusted, successful citizens? Of course not. Correlation != causation. There are many factors why someone would drop out and end up just wanting to get high/play video games/surf the net/etc. Underlying depression can often be masked by substance abuse for example. The substance can cause an effect but it can't control you. As for getting the facts out there and basing policy decisions on them I want all the facts to be known, positive and negative.

"Pretty much all of my friends that started smoking pot (even the ones that were really smart) all have dead-end jobs and dropped out of school. "

You must be a heck of an outlier.

"You must be a heck of an outlier."

Haha, the beauty of NOT smoking pot and fucking up your life.

Data's pretty tough on it, I think, hard to get people to self report unless it's addicts showing up for a $20 study. Anyone who knows better, feel free to chime in.