Dude needs a refund.

[Ronin13]

Okay- that was a fun read... Trot- I like your style! JM- you make some really good points... Nynco- wow, sorry about your GF, but also realize where a lot of us are coming from- after that MMJ law went into effect the happy little stoners came out of the wood work with faux injuries just to get their high on. Most MMJ card holders I have had the "pleasure" of meeting were not exactly legitimate... My GF's aunt used to be one, and she admitted, it was for a BS reason just so she could get high. Many others would lay claim that they really were "hurting", even when confronted about their so-called "injury." Shoot, I have a more legitimate reason to get my MMJ card, and I didn't because I don't think pot would help me, and I don't like the feeling when I was high in my youth, probably HATE it now. Not to mention the federal illegality, my line of work, and oh the whole guns and pot don't mix- legally and practically.

To shoot down your alcohol vs pot in terms of danger: Two different things, both not good for you. To say alcohol is worse than pot is much akin to saying shooting yourself in the face with a shotgun is worse than jumping headfirst off a cliff... Both are bad, just in different ways. Alcohol is metabolized based upon how much is consumed for the person, based on tolerance, weight, metabolism and other factors- usually it's safe to say 1 hour per drink (or so). But regardless, moderate amounts of alcohol won't really inhibit your abilities 10-15 hours later. Meanwhile, THC can intoxicate and inhibit your abilities for up to 24 HOURS. That part is science. Oh, but it's safer, right? False. For an average person, one joint (the quantity varies but on average amounts) is as bad for your health as 1/2 pack of cigarettes. Don't smoke it? No problem, you're still screwed. Multiple studies have been conducted on the long-term effects of THC on people- and it has been determined that it does play a negative role in brain function and motivation. Regardless of how it is brought into the body. One study found a patient that smoked pot from 16 (with parents permission to take part in the study) to 26 showed decreased brain function, decreased motivation, mood and behavior changes, and actually did worse on cognitive function tests after 5 years of using. This test was conducted on several people of differing physical and mental capabilities and proportions. All the results found that, to put it in lay terms, the subjects showed signs of being "dumber."

To say pot is harmless is a complete and total fallacy. It's BS no matter which way you slice it. However, I do see the benefits it has for medicinal purposes... I have a dear friend who's uncle suffers from MS and marijuana is pretty much the only thing that eases his pain without terrible side-effects. But different meds work for different people. I also see the benefits of ending prohibition and helping to slow the violence that comes with prohibition. But I foresee the ill effects of ending the prohibition on pot here in CO, as others stated with the influx of that kind of person moving here, and also with the idea that since it's legal, now the brazenness of pot heads with surge and they'll drive while high (I'm against legalization mostly for this reason), smoke in public, and out-of-state folks will try and bring some home, and that could become cause for a federal crackdown. Not to mention the gifting or sales of pot to kids (just like alcohol), that could cause for a crackdown with local LE. This is one of those instances where I can easily see the cons outweighing the pros. Just my $.02...