Pot plants as big as trees. This'll get some of ya drooling.

[Sourdough]

When I lived in Miami, the cops caught a freighter full of pot at the docks.  So after the trials and it's time to destroy all that pot, the cops had a big bonfire.  All the high school kids, and more adults, in Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Hialiga, Palm Beach, and Homestead just happened to be fishing the canal just downwind of the fire.  After the fire got going good the wind shifted.  Families living in nearby communitees were having contact highs while eating dinner.  Seems everyone was doing pot that evening wheather they wanted to or not.

[powderman]

When we lived in LOU our neighbor lit up heavy every weekend. Those ol shotgun houses are close together and our bdr window was accross from theirs. We had a fan in the window blowing in and it pulled all that smoke into my house. Our baby got crazier than a bedgug from it, kinda amusing in a way. We had to turn the fan around and blow it out, like ta never got him calmed down. 
 
YEP, I used to smoke a bit too, but never heavy. One night my bud and I lit up while watching the fights and enjoying liquid refreshments, we suddenly got HUNGRY. I went up to the whitecastle for burgers and rings. There was a cop in line in front of me with 2 more behind me and several eating at tables. I never felt more paranoid in my life. Never did that again. I reckon I grew up, haven't done it in many years. POWDERMAN. 
 
 

[Anna]

When we lived in LOU our neighbor lit up heavy every weekend. Those ol shotgun houses are close together and our bdr window was accross from theirs. We had a fan in the window blowing in and it pulled all that smoke into my house. Our baby got crazier than a bedgug from it, kinda amusing in a way. We had to turn the fan around and blow it out, like ta never got him calmed down. 
 
YEP, I used to smoke a bit too, but never heavy. One night my bud and I lit up while watching the fights and enjoying liquid refreshments, we suddenly got HUNGRY. I went up to the whitecastle for burgers and rings. There was a cop in line in front of me with 2 more behind me and several eating at tables. I never felt more paranoid in my life. Never did that again. I reckon I grew up, haven't done it in many years. POWDERMAN. 

Me either , not in well over 20 + years .  I might if it were legalized , but I can't afford to lose my job or my license due to a dirty drug test . Besides Powderman , from what I hear this new stuff is so strong it would probably kill us . 
 

[williamlayton]

Having recently made a stopover in Amsterdam and got right one more time--I can tell you from the displays there is more kinds of pot than I ever dreamed of.
I just smoked some mild MJ---it was a blast from the past.
Blessings

[KIMBER45]

I heard the real good stuff sells for $800.00 and ounce. OUCH

[Ranger99]

i'd be worried about smoking with the
stuff these jerks put on it to give it
a zing. that'd be all i need is to have a
snoot full of pcp-soaked pot and roll
over in the bar ditch- maybe injure or
kill some bystander

[SHOOTALL]

I heard the real good stuff sells for $800.00 and ounce. OUCH

I remember people saying they could get a baggie for $5 bucks . How much tax money could be made to cut the deficit ?

[Empty Quiver]

They keep killing the domestic weed and the next thing you know we'll have people importing it.

[finisher]

Wow ! All this can be summed up with just one word . ( Dude ! ) lol

************
...or "bud" 

[finisher]

I heard the real good stuff sells for $800.00 and ounce. OUCH

*************
That is at the LEGAL dispensary price for pharmaceutical grade stuff. It's fairly cheaper on the street depending on who you know.


Also, I love the way the "Narcos" like to over inflate the "value" of the bust. What did the report say- $7 to $10 million, for 1500 plants that will yield around 3/4 of a pound per. At whole sale market value that would get him maybe $3.5 mil- half of what the report said, and that is if it is of primo quality.


These guys lie through their teeth. Just to give the goon the benefit of the doubt though, the BROKEN DOWN VALUE, (in other words once it has hit the streets or dispensaries and has been divied into single "servings") could possibly reach close to that amount, but no one person is going to pocket all that cash as they'd have you believe.


Still, after expenses, the grower would have pocketed around $2 to $2.5 mil. and that ain't bad for one season.

[finisher]

It is harvest time here in Southern Oregon and there are so many growers here in the "Rogue" both legal and maybe not so, that you can smell the fresh undried buds from the freeway and all over the Rogue Valley. No one here is running around killing anyone, with the exception of alcoholics killing themselves or others, and tweekers killing each other. We have not seen where the legalized (on the state level) regulation has brought about the big DOWNFALL OF SOCIETY  .

I personally am an ex cigarette smoker, for some 17 years now, of two packs a day of Lucky's or Pall Mall non filts. To this day, I still get the urge when I'm around smokers, and I can tell you that nicotine is far more addicting than many of the more common street drugs.

Frankly, other than the strong odor given off by the plant when it burns, I really don't see the big deal. Many of the people I encounter that are completely straight seem more twisted in their limited views of the world than most of the pot heads that I know. I feel that the " dumbifying" of our youth that I have witnessed over the last twenty years is due to too much damn screen time and not enough diversified reading and formal education.

In my life time, the only people that I've ever seen "freak out" from smoking marijuana were people who were just a little too tightly wound up to begin with or if I didn't know any better, had a long metal rod lodged way up where the sun doesn't shine.


I have witnessed, first hand, the collateral damage reeked upon our society by this insane, and in my opinion, greed motivated, "War On Drugs" and I'll tell you that it and all the industry and politics shrouding it have shattered more lives than drug use itself.

Why not declare "war" upon ignorance and the lack of creativity. I'll tell you why, because there is no political, law enforcement, or correctional, profit to be gained from it.

In my opinion, narrow minded, ignorant people who live in small little bubbled worlds are far more dangerous to a free and peaceful society than any consensually consumed drug; especially when their rhetoric over steps the media established boundaries of their limited worldly knowledge. How did 'ol Harry put it..."a man has got know his limitations".

Like in the  Dr. Sues story, "The Lorax", I say, let it grow! Can't wait for all the childish political name calling and mutterings to come flying at this one  .

[williamlayton]

Well, I paid &2.50 American for that pre-rolled joint I smoked in Amsterdam. It was Mexican MJ---plain old stuff I used to get back in the day for $20.00 a bag.
I have no idea what it cost today and am not really interested in getting back to it--just like cokes or Dr Pepper---I can pass it up without a tug of desire.
Now cigs is another story. I started smoking Camels when I was a senior in HS---never smoked more than a pack a day, unless the day was real long or the Scotch was flowing.
Folks---life is short---at best, it is a bitch---then you die. Now I KNOW my savior and I do not fear death. I quit smoking for 10 years----Worse 10 years of my life. I smoke 'em when I want one. You do it the way you want.
There are a lots of things bad for you----The worse is letting someone else make those decisions for you.
Blessings 

[williamlayton]

After some PMing between YT and myownself--we have squared our disagreement, at least to my own satifaction.
I must apologize for taking his remarks at being aimed at me.
Blessings

[Doublebass73]

Excellent posts finisher and williamlayton!

When in doubt it's always best to err on the side of liberty.

[ironglow]

Perhaps it is best not to err at all in this regard.  Swearing off these addictive substances as a teen would save a great deal of misery for friends, family, society and ourselves.  If less were spent on chemicals, weed and mead..more would be left to do worthwhile things with.
 
  I suggest ..when in doubt , err on the side of character!  If all had decent character and a bit of will power..we would need no silly "war on drugs".  After all, we didn't need a war on drugs for the first half of the 20th century..when apparently, most had more character (or more wisdom) than to mess with the stuff.  Back then, there was mainly the drunks to deal with....so truthfully, there were some weak ones around...

[chefjeff]

The reason seized drugs are over-valued by the authorities: there is a TAX on them as part of the restitution in many states. So much per pill or per ounce. Interestingly, Obama has just Okayed a provision that will make seizure of personal property easier when drug OR weapons violations have occurred,with no easy recourse of recovery.

[yellowtail3]

Excellent posts finisher and williamlayton!

When in doubt it's always best to err on the side of liberty.

   +1
[/size]The whole War on (some) Drugs is a boondoggle for all the Right Kinds of People, most of them gov't, LE, and legal types - and that makes it very hard to challenge. There are lots of rice bowls, pensions, and fiefdoms at stake, and they don't wanna risk losing theirs. [/size]

[gr8ful]

looks to me like a huge plot that was planted be busted.  Outdoor growers are way to smart to plant weed like a row crop in an area that has the amount of airtraffic that Chicago has.  Makes for a good photo op for the local police and polititions.  Shows how tough they are in the "war on drugs"

[finisher]

Perhaps it is best not to err at all in this regard.  Swearing off these addictive substances as a teen would save a great deal of misery for friends, family, society and ourselves.  If less were spent on chemicals, weed and mead..more would be left to do worthwhile things with.
 
  I suggest ..when in doubt , err on the side of character!  If all had decent character and a bit of will power..we would need no silly "war on drugs". After all, we didn't need a war on drugs for the first half of the 20th century..when apparently, most had more character (or more wisdom) than to mess with the stuff.  Back then, there was mainly the drunks to deal with....so truthfully, there were some weak ones around...

*************
IG, I agree with you 100% that the strength to resist the crutch of any drugs, be they illegal or not is indeed a matter of character and that such strong character would indeed save many quite a bit of emotional heartache.

I feel also though that when it is an issue of SELF destruction, that it is an internal family matter in which the government should have no place. Who are we to allow the government to force us to make those personal choices? And who should bare the responsibility of arming our children with the knowledge that they need to reinforce their character but ourselves; certainly not the government.

I cannot argue with the fact that our children are the most tragic recipients of these bad choices be they drugs that are legal or not. I would even go as far to say that such prohibitive laws may even facilitate the removing of a child from the bad environment of a household where vices are out of control. But the byproduct is still spiked profit margin brought on from a black market situation that will always lead to corruption at all levels.

But I do not see how the lack of character of some NECESSITATES this cost inefficient and extremely flawed approach to a problem that is more personal at the root than a matter of public health and safety as the establishment tries to frighten people into believing by using terms like "epidemic" and "out of control".

These vices are in every corner of the world and have been since ancient times. There are countries in the South Seas where to get caught dealing drugs is a death sentence and has been for quite some time. This has not stopped the flow of drugs or deterred dealers one bit because of the profit factor involved with a black market trade.

It would be futile to tell many of these people who live in a state of poverty (that most Americans couldn't begin to imagine) about character when they simply weigh the risks vs. the potential profits. The government isn't going to force people to do "the right thing" anything any more than Lucifer, in the time before his fall, was going to force us all back to God, because it is a matter of free agency.

If it is not our own choice, free from coercion, what then is the whole point? Where is the learning experience and the gaining of personal character then, for we all have varying levels of strengths to share and weaknesses to conquer. The government never deterred me me from giving in to my weaknesses when I was younger nor did it help me to overcome them. It was a matter of PERSONAL CHARACTER as you put it.

In my eyes, to allow the government to enforce prohibitions of consensual crimes is along  the same lines as the inquisitions or the Salem Witch Trials. We might as well fulfill George Orwell's nightmarish depiction of the "The Thought Police" and "The Ministry of Love"

Who was it that said "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely"? And this is especially true when their is SOOOOO much money involved. And so many elite personal interests at stake should this plant be allowed to be researched and used for the many positive benefits of which it can provide. What makes it even more dangerous to this rich, greedy filth is that it is easy to grow and will flourish almost anywhere that the sun shines.

One more example; hemp clothing will outlast any cotton, wool, or synthetic textile by years and years. Think about which rich big wigs would stand to take a loss were this natural resource ever allowed a fair shake at the free market which so many anti - marijuana advocates love so much.

Well...overseas child labor sweatshop running textile and apparel producers for one (They do exist and I've seen them) and let's see...synthetic fabrics, hmmm OH YES, the oil and chemical companies. Lord knows that they certainly have enough money to launch political campaigns that influence the weak minded opinion of the masses.


It's a hard call IG, where the children are concerned. But I've seen plenty of alcoholic parents, that I'm sure, neglect their kids and smoke cigarettes with them in the same room or vehicle and I've wanted to slap them upside their heads. One can only try to influence and guide in a positive way.

In my experience, it is human nature to cut off our noses to spite our faces. And people will do what they will regardless of the law until they end up learning a lesson more painful than what any law of man can inflict.

In closing, just because so many people are growers here in Southern Oregon doesn't mean that there are any MORE potheads running around than anywhere else, it just means that there is more revenue gained for the state than lost on costly and unnecessary drug sweep operations and incarcerations.

The "slate" of the government is certainly far from clean. So why would anyone advocate to empower them with the ability to coerce personal character?

[williamlayton]

People seem to do what they wish---on both sides of the fence.
It seems to me that some people just want controls over what they want control over and wish no one to have control over what they don't want them to have control over.
It is truely a mixed bag.
It is also abundantly clear that where there is no order there is no freedom.
Would it not be a much better option for the government--Federal, that is--to see that local controls are much like Federal controls. They can be excessive, depending on the one who has the control.
Now if you have fewer, laws--which are not controls really--and more personal control over these situations, that the problems would soon become less newsworthy and folks would tend to take responsibility for local concerns--as they always seem to do.
It seems like I am talking in circles, and to some extent this is a circular problem, but, it is also a localized problem.
If it becomes an organized criminal activity--much like moonshining did--then there is need for co-operative enforcement. If an idividual wants to self-medicate himself into oblivion, or kill others in favor of his own needs, is  this not two doffernt situations?
I just think that ferderal controls over much of what society does is a bit of overkill that leads to worse problems.
Let situations stay personal & local until there is a real need for co-operative actions. This may be one of the best arguements against being proactive in some situations.
Blessings   

[ironglow]

Some folks cite the lifting of the prohibition laws as an exemplary act.  I guess the jury is still out, depending upon your personal view.
      Yes, some people still drank, but since it was outlawed it had to be clandestine .  Being in such a situation there were less drunk drivers to deal with.  People were rarely driving away from weddings, picnics or high school graduations.."drunk as a skunk"..(do skunks get drunk? ). 
      Question: Were there more or less drunk drivers, alcoholics, etc..before or after repeal of prohibition.  Frankly, I think there were more drunks around after the repeal..so that may be an example when considering repeal of illegal drug laws.
   We find that human nature being what it is..and we have all seen it..  A 21 yr old will buy beer for his 17 year old friend or even younger girl friend...will that same pattern be repeated?
   Some say, "legalize the drugs, but tax them like crazy..to cover the damage which will be done"..  That would put the govt to competeing with the illegal dealers..each trying to out bid the other. In fact, there will likely be a juvenile age limit, as with alcohol.
That will probably lead to the illegal pushers targeting a progressively younger crowd!
  It sure is interesting to see our own federal health dept promoting commercials about how youth should stay away from one weed (tobacco) while ignoring another illegal but apparently relatively popular weed.  Maybe too many of those politicos are addicted to the latter!

[RevJim]

  People will do many things to escape "pain"...whether physical, mental or spiritual. I love Liberty also, but there is no real freedom when a person lives in darkness. I have a saying I like to use: "Its better to err ( and we all err) on the side of Grace".  accompanied by "I am not the Savior". I'm just a messenger, and have no illusions that people (whoever) do not do whatever they want to do. Everyone makes choices, and they have the freedom to do so. Its the 'consequences" of their choices that can be a bummer, ha.
 Hey Uncle Willie! You probably find your self rambling, etc if you are writing right after that amersterdam stuf, ha! You guys have a Blessed Day!

[tobster]

The hemp advocates claim a lot beneficial uses for industrial hemp like fabric, energy, etc. plus medicinal uses. Can you imagine  what type of hemp plants we could have if people put all the energy and resources into industrial hemp as they have into recreational/medicinal pot? It seems to me to be a crying shame not to use a plant that could have so many beneficial uses just because our " leaders" are protecting us from such an "evil weed"!

[yellowtail3]

I say, let folks grow/sell/market their industrial hemp.
And I also say, if folks want to grow the kind that is enjoyable, don't interfere - it's none of the gubmint's business what a free man eats, drinks, or smokes. We don't need assistance from gov't officials, telling us what to consume.

[Doublebass73]

My great-grandparents ran a speakeasy during prohibition. They made their own whiskey and served it every night. All of their customers drove there, got drunk as a skunk and drove home. This is all 1st hand info from my grandmother and my great uncle who were there. To say that fewer people drove drunk during prohibition (because it was against the law) is a joke.

It will never cease to amaze me. The hypocrisy of those who claim to want less government intrusion into our lives yet advocate for MORE government intrusion into our lives when it comes to regulating a plant that God Himself put on this earth.

[Spirithawk]

Man made alcohol. God made marijuana. Which one do you trust?

[yellowtail3]

Man made alcohol. God made marijuana. Which one do you trust?

Spirithawk makes a point, albeit an inconvenient one to gov't employees, LE careerists, and various blue-nosed hypocrites that like to tell others how they should live.

[BUGEYE]

I smoked a joint circa 1970 and was a definite menace on the highway going home.

it seems that liberals and libertarians both say "err on the side of liberty".  what of MY liberty? shouldn't I be able to drive down the without worrying about some idiot either drunk on alcohol or high on drugs running over me.
in most fatal accidents in this area, either DRUGS or ALCOHOL or SPEED was involved.

I've been told by some here that I'm a danger on the interstate because I drive 55mph.
I drive safely, without drinking or smoking or snorting or shooting-up.
y'alls way would lead to eventual ANARCHY.

[yellowtail3]

I smoked a joint circa 1970 and was a definite menace on the highway going home.

I believe you.

what of MY liberty?

it'll  be left intact, apart from the power to tell others what to do

shouldn't I be able to drive down the without worrying about some idiot either drunk on alcohol or high on drugs running over me.

Well, sure... inasmuch as there are no guarantees in life. If someone causes an accident, we have laws for that.

in most fatal accidents in this area, either DRUGS or ALCOHOL or SPEED was involved.

Sounds like a MADD statistic. I know that some similar 'statistics' bandied about work like this: If Driver A blows through red light and t-bones Driver B - and Driver B has had a few drinks or a toke? - that goes into the books as an alcohol- or drug-related accident.

I've been told by some here that I'm a danger on the interstate because I drive 55mph.

Depending upon road conditions and whether or not you stayed to the right and yeilded, yeah, you might be a hazard. Stay out of the way, please.

[BUGEYE]

I really don't want to return to the days of the wild west, where if a drunk or doper harms my family  I have to take the law into my own hands.

the war on drugs could be won if left to me.

YT3, I think your bias against LEOs  makes you doubt that most wrecks are caused by alcohol, drugs and speed.... or you don't watch your local news... or you are an imbiber that wants your dope of choice legalized before you get caught.