I wonder if the police, and government realise that by pulling out $500,000 worth of locally grown cannabis in the region they've just created a huge hole in an otherwise non-criminal market (aside from of course the cannabis, which is somewhat victimless). So, I wonder, which groups in New Zealand are organised enough to be able to filll this hole?

Or more to the point, which Gang is going to ge in first sell their indoor Hydroponics to the tune of $500,000 or, given that there will be some demand and little supply, perhaps double that.

Good one richard. I'm looking forward to the tinnie shops and escalation of our community problems.

Even the US seems to be on the ball.

"By a 58-42 margin Tuesday, Mendocino County voters approved a measure to decriminalize personal use of marijuana, a first in the United States. The Green Party-sponsored Measure G ran strong in every area of the county, and especially on the Mendocino Coast where the final vote count widened the winning margin significantly. Supporters were jubilant early Wednesday"

""The decisive outcome should send the message we were hoping: People who are intimately aware of the government's anti-marijuana crusade are demanding that the focus of lawmakers and law enforcement shift to hard, dangerous drugs and not an illicit weed that's been around for centuries," said Hamburg."

http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00.n1676.a05.html

I'm not a grower, but if I could set a little aside for myself at home and not disturb anyone I would. But of course, this doesn't seem to be my choice, might as well go out, get drunk, throw up all over myself, rape someone and drive home, it's much more acceptable or so I'm lead to believe.

Don't forget the fine print:

Local law enforcement leaders said the measure is mostly symbolic. Sheriff Tony Craver and District Attorney Norman Vroman said they will enforce state and federal marijuana laws, which take precedent over local laws.

Seems to me like you should all just go out and get drunk.

Yes, but drink fast as bars are gong to be closed at 4am soon.

Thats a better topic to be discussing!!! 4am closing times are dumb (for lack of a better term).

Re: Weed though, should it ever get legalised (and I am one who says, and will always say, no.. sorry) who would get the monopoly on it? Surley it is just another gang rivalry justification.... Its just not cricket. And what if the government should ever get monopoly, would weed then just become another tobacco product? (and as a pack-a-day girl, god I hope not)

Also, when does it go from people wanting weed being legalised, to speed, LSD and the dreaded P??

These are the areas that need considering, its all very well and good saying, I only have a little for my own use, but where does that end? "Yes all those plants under the hydro units are for my own use"?

I'm sure I will get a fair amount of abuse for this, I dont care though. We all have our own opinions and are perfectly entitled to share them. Something to think about.

And in any case its a boring subject, which has been gone over so many times now that both sides of the argument have no meaning.

This debate has been going on for years, and will continue to go on. It just seems wrong that we sell a "taxable" commidity like Tobacco, which causes thousands of deaths a year and yet there have been no reported deaths from smoking marijuana. Alcohol kills also. Yet, the lesser of these evils is still illegal.

You can't bundle P, LSD and other "real" drugs in the same category as Marijuana, I think it needs to be compared to Tobacco and Alcohol. If Marijuana is a gateway drug, then surely Tobacco is more of a gateway drug, Alcohol leads to many other drugs too.

I don't think I'll speak any more on this, we're all capable of doing our own research and drawing our own conclusions.

Don't worry Roz, you won't get flamed, it's all about having our own opinions. However, what I do in the comfort of my own home is up to me. Nuff Said

While I'm at it, this is an interesting read.

http://peety-passion.com/relax/2007/10/07/the-best-marijuana-myths/

Roz wrote:
would weed then just become another tobacco product? (and as a pack-a-day girl, god I hope not)

Smoking a packet of weed ciggies a day? You sure you weren't stoned when you wrote that? Or seeing as you like the legal drugs that kill (alcohol and tobacco), were you perhaps in the process of destroying you liver (drunk) or high on nicotine?

As for monopolies, that point is absurd, but not as absurd as your gateway reference. Next on my list after legalising weed, I'd be wanting heroin made legal. And then public beatings, hangings, and no speed limits on the road.

See, I can say silly things too.

Drinking is legal, drunk driving isnt.... getting stoned is illegal, but is driving under the influence of marijuana illegal / measureable?
*random question*

I remember a test on tv about being under the influence of kava kava. It's legal, but I wouldn't want to try it!

And unless they add piss tests to breath tests people with pink eye are probably safe!

damn druggies..