Why hasn’t Maryland legalized marijuana yet?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Decriminalization has made it more accessible to people under 21. And there is increased use in that age group. It is 100% illegal use by definition and it's driving an illegal drug trade. Which in Montgomery county at least is directly related to many of the murders.

So legalizing won't get rid of the bad impacts of it. It might even increase them.

You make no sense. You admit that the illegal drug trade is causing murders but getting rid of the illegal drug trade won't get rid of the bad impacts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People seem to believe that decriminalization and legalization means "Light up whenever I want and wherever I want."

This is why so many PPs are complaining about smell. First off, in one-two more generations people won't smoke as much weed as we do now. Second, it's only legal to do in a private residence. So if you smell it in the garage of a building, then those people are doing it illegally. Lastly, and most importantly, is that by keeping it illegal you are punishing poor people who are usually POC. Yes we have medical marijuana but you have to almost lie to the doctor to get it, and it's expensive to get a license. It's about $300 the first year (with a registration fee) and to renew is $150.

Just because YOU don't want it legal doesn't mean it's best for society.

Pretty sure “best for society” is not people stoned all the time. Go out to Seattle or LA. It’s sad to see so many people waste their lives on the streets and high. We have enough issues in MD and neither want nor need that here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To answer the question: because Maryland seems to have a modicum of sense.

+1000

[Anonymous]

I would like to have the occasional joint after I retire without being a criminal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Decriminalization has made it more accessible to people under 21. And there is increased use in that age group. It is 100% illegal use by definition and it's driving an illegal drug trade. Which in Montgomery county at least is directly related to many of the murders.

So legalizing won't get rid of the bad impacts of it. It might even increase them.

You make no sense. You admit that the illegal drug trade is causing murders but getting rid of the illegal drug trade won't get rid of the bad impacts?

You plan to legalize it for people under 21? Good luck with that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People seem to believe that decriminalization and legalization means "Light up whenever I want and wherever I want."

I’m in DC. That’s literally EXACTLY what it means in practice.

People smoke weed in places where’d you get fined for smoking or vaping tobacco.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People seem to believe that decriminalization and legalization means "Light up whenever I want and wherever I want."

This is why so many PPs are complaining about smell. First off, in one-two more generations people won't smoke as much weed as we do now. Second, it's only legal to do in a private residence. So if you smell it in the garage of a building, then those people are doing it illegally. Lastly, and most importantly, is that by keeping it illegal you are punishing poor people who are usually POC. Yes we have medical marijuana but you have to almost lie to the doctor to get it, and it's expensive to get a license. It's about $300 the first year (with a registration fee) and to renew is $150.

Just because YOU don't want it legal doesn't mean it's best for society.

What’s best for society is not having everyone stoned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People seem to believe that decriminalization and legalization means "Light up whenever I want and wherever I want."

This is why so many PPs are complaining about smell. First off, in one-two more generations people won't smoke as much weed as we do now. Second, it's only legal to do in a private residence. So if you smell it in the garage of a building, then those people are doing it illegally. Lastly, and most importantly, is that by keeping it illegal you are punishing poor people who are usually POC. Yes we have medical marijuana but you have to almost lie to the doctor to get it, and it's expensive to get a license. It's about $300 the first year (with a registration fee) and to renew is $150.

Just because YOU don't want it legal doesn't mean it's best for society.

What’s best for society is not having everyone stoned.

Yup. I stopped for gas around 6pm the other day, and the guy who stumbled out of his car next to me reeked of weed. I don't really care if people do this in their homes, but don't drive. Sheesh!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People seem to believe that decriminalization and legalization means "Light up whenever I want and wherever I want."

This is why so many PPs are complaining about smell. First off, in one-two more generations people won't smoke as much weed as we do now. Second, it's only legal to do in a private residence. So if you smell it in the garage of a building, then those people are doing it illegally. Lastly, and most importantly, is that by keeping it illegal you are punishing poor people who are usually POC. Yes we have medical marijuana but you have to almost lie to the doctor to get it, and it's expensive to get a license. It's about $300 the first year (with a registration fee) and to renew is $150.

Just because YOU don't want it legal doesn't mean it's best for society.

What’s best for society is not having everyone stoned.

Why would people who don't use pot suddenly turn into stoners once it's legal? Clearly, it being illegal hasn't been a deterrent at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People seem to believe that decriminalization and legalization means "Light up whenever I want and wherever I want."

This is why so many PPs are complaining about smell. First off, in one-two more generations people won't smoke as much weed as we do now. Second, it's only legal to do in a private residence. So if you smell it in the garage of a building, then those people are doing it illegally. Lastly, and most importantly, is that by keeping it illegal you are punishing poor people who are usually POC. Yes we have medical marijuana but you have to almost lie to the doctor to get it, and it's expensive to get a license. It's about $300 the first year (with a registration fee) and to renew is $150.

Just because YOU don't want it legal doesn't mean it's best for society.

What’s best for society is not having everyone stoned.

Why would people who don't use pot suddenly turn into stoners once it's legal? Clearly, it being illegal hasn't been a deterrent at all.

That’s not what investors think.

The great thing about our area is that three jurisdictions affords one a lot of choice. You can buy marijuana at a grey market store in DC today. Retail sales will start in VA in 2024 and if you have a medical condition you can purchase it in MD. Lots of choices.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People seem to believe that decriminalization and legalization means "Light up whenever I want and wherever I want."

This is why so many PPs are complaining about smell. First off, in one-two more generations people won't smoke as much weed as we do now. Second, it's only legal to do in a private residence. So if you smell it in the garage of a building, then those people are doing it illegally. Lastly, and most importantly, is that by keeping it illegal you are punishing poor people who are usually POC. Yes we have medical marijuana but you have to almost lie to the doctor to get it, and it's expensive to get a license. It's about $300 the first year (with a registration fee) and to renew is $150.

Just because YOU don't want it legal doesn't mean it's best for society.

What’s best for society is not having everyone stoned.

Why would people who don't use pot suddenly turn into stoners once it's legal? Clearly, it being illegal hasn't been a deterrent at all.

It is a deterrent. Legalizing it makes use go up. That doesn't mean everyone is using. But more are. And that brings with it more of the negative issues associated with drug use. And some people are fine with it. It's worth a little more drug use disorder or DUIs or domestic violence (and yes, they all increase in states where marijuana is legal) to have the freedom to smoke weed. You can make the same arguments about alcohol. Nobody's going to outlaw that again. But there are associated societal and fiscal costs to drug use, period.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People seem to believe that decriminalization and legalization means "Light up whenever I want and wherever I want."

I’m in DC. That’s literally EXACTLY what it means in practice.

People smoke weed in places where’d you get fined for smoking or vaping tobacco.

It's even worse, so many potheads are now lighting up behind the wheel when driving home from work. The lawlessness is out of control.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Decriminalization has made it more accessible to people under 21. And there is increased use in that age group. It is 100% illegal use by definition and it's driving an illegal drug trade. Which in Montgomery county at least is directly related to many of the murders.

So legalizing won't get rid of the bad impacts of it. It might even increase them.

We are all parents, right?

Look what the parent of this teen is going through:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1030005.page

Is this what you want for your children?

And yeah - sure - this might happen without legalization.

But why make it easier??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People seem to believe that decriminalization and legalization means "Light up whenever I want and wherever I want."

This is why so many PPs are complaining about smell. First off, in one-two more generations people won't smoke as much weed as we do now. Second, it's only legal to do in a private residence. So if you smell it in the garage of a building, then those people are doing it illegally. Lastly, and most importantly, is that by keeping it illegal you are punishing poor people who are usually POC. Yes we have medical marijuana but you have to almost lie to the doctor to get it, and it's expensive to get a license. It's about $300 the first year (with a registration fee) and to renew is $150.

Just because YOU don't want it legal doesn't mean it's best for society.

What’s best for society is not having everyone stoned.

Depends on one’s point of view. Those who crave control love the idea of distracted and compliant citizens

[Anonymous]

And Marihuana is not legal in Maryland? Could have fooled me!

Every time I visit National Harbor, it smells like Amsterdam!