Mexico: Drug Decriminalization

**slap_j** · 08-21-2009, 04:30 PM

Mexico decriminalizes small-scale drug possession

Fascinating. I hope this helps the Mexican government get more of a handle on the crazy drug violence going on.

FTA: Mexico has emphasized the need to differentiate drug addicts and casual users from the violent traffickers whose turf battles have contributed to the deaths of more than 11,000 people since President Felipe Calderon took office in late 2006.

Totally agree. The U.S. should adopt a similar policy.

Mattlock · 08-22-2009, 12:11 AM

I read a book once called Amazing Grace. There used to be a drug lord in Harlem named Calderon, apparently.

Anyways, this is certainly a step in the right direction. The U.S. should definitely consider this option.

RipVanWinkle · 08-22-2009, 01:51 AM

hmm...thats pretty interesting. So from what I gather at first glance, do they now just frown on drug use? Is it actually still illegal?

"Anyone caught with drug amounts under the new personal-use limit will be encouraged to seek treatment, and for those caught a third time treatment is mandatory. "

**slap_j** · 08-22-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RipVanWinkle

So from what I gather at first glance, do they now just frown on drug use?

Their attitude seems to be that more harm is done by the arrest and prosecution of casual users and addicts than the "small-scale" consumption of these substances. This is far from legitimizing their use. I think "frowning on" is a fair way to put it.

Quote:

Is it actually still illegal?

For the most part very much so. It is still totally illegal to manufacture, buy, or sell these drugs. And as you pointed out, even with these small amounts there is a three-strikes deal where you're forced into treatment.

**Epaphras** · 08-22-2009, 10:03 AM

I have agreed with the legalization (or decriminalization) of marijuana possession for a long time.

The reason it's a "gateway" drug is because it is connected to the harder drugs. If marijuana (and its users) were separated from the drug underworld, away from the harder stuff, it would no longer be that gateway drug.

You could regulate its production through the FDA, and tax the heck out of it much like cigarettes. Make sure DUI laws clearly included "driving while high", which just as strict enforcement as drunk driving. Make it unavailable until 19 to avoid high school seniors supplying their school as happens with cigarettes.

**slap_j** · 08-26-2009, 01:38 PM

Here's something related:

The supreme court in Argentina has ruled that it is unconstitutional to punish people for using marijuana for personal consumption.

nolidad · 08-27-2009, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slap_j

Here's something related:

The supreme court in Argentina has ruled that it is unconstitutional to punish people for using marijuana for personal consumption.

Just goes to show how quick the world is going to pot!!!!

nolidad · 08-27-2009, 12:37 PM

And remember getting buzzed is just as much sin as getting drunk. The prohibition "be not drunk with wine..." applies to drugs as well that get one high. It is biblically prohibited.

**Thrash** · 08-27-2009, 12:50 PM

so, if i get a minor buzz from a cigarette i am sinning? What about a buzz from energy drinks? What if i dont get a buzz from marijuana?

**Epaphras** · 08-27-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolidad

And remember getting buzzed is just as much sin as getting drunk. The prohibition "be not drunk with wine..." applies to drugs as well that get one high. It is biblically prohibited.

Yes, by this logic we should all avoid caffeine (might not be a bad idea).

Allowing something to be legal (or decriminalizing it) doesn't mean we condone it. In this case decriminalizing personal use and possession of marijuana (and regulation and taxation of it) would do much more good than harm. You discount the fact that people still have a personal choice. I won't smoke pot even if it becomes legal. But I would feel better about my tax dollars knowing it's going toward keeping real criminals off the street, not harmless pot users.

**slap_j** · 08-27-2009, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolidad

Just goes to show how quick the world is going to pot!!!!

Haha.

Aren't you in favor of this though, noli? You're a small government guy. Do we need tax dollars spent locking people up who smoke a joint every now and then?

natedawg5280 · 08-27-2009, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolidad

And remember getting buzzed is just as much sin as getting drunk. The prohibition "be not drunk with wine..." applies to drugs as well that get one high. It is biblically prohibited.

No.

One can get "buzzed" by anything. People who drink beverages resembling vodka can believe, feel, and act drunk. Is the sin "getting buzzed" or becoming addicted to alcohol, being not filled with the Spirit, selfishness, pride, our motivations, preferring yourself over those around you?

I would encourage you not to demonize material sins in others (though by all means preach obedience to the law). Sin is ultimately what is displeasing to God and it is our hearts that bother him, not a feeling we can experience from pain meds, exhaustion, happiness, or any number of foods or physical experiences.

I think this news is great. How does a case like the one mentioned in Argentina make it to the Supreme Court? I'm guessing not just any youth on the street in America smoking a joint has the opportunity to take it to the Supreme Court and question the constitutionality of these laws?