President Obama Says No to Legalizing Marijuana -Thoughts???

[NorahSethsMommy]

I'd love to hear any opinions anyone has on this. Just please be respectful of each other's views. Thanks!

WASHINGTON — Legalizing marijuana is not the kind of change President Barack Obama can believe in -- -- at least not as a remedy for the ailing U.S. economy.

On Thursday, Obama tackled the issue head-on, only half-jokingly, at an online townhall meeting where he noted that the idea was a favorite among the 3.6 million people who voted on more than 100,000 questions submitted on the White House website.

"I have to say that there was one question that was voted on that ranked fairly high, and that was whether legalizing marijuana would improve the economy and job creation," he said to laughter at the White House event.

"And I don't know what this says about the online audience," Obama said, tongue-in-cheek. "This was a fairly popular question. We want to make sure that it was answered."

"The answer is, no, I don't think that is a good strategy to grow our economy," he said before moving back to a more sober discussion of unemployment and healthcare reform.

"Thank you for clearing that up," said Jared Bernstein, Vice President Joe Biden's chief economist, who was acting as moderator.

Many of the questioners suggested that regulating the marijuana industry could yield large tax revenues.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs was later asked whether Obama, who admitted in his autobiography to experimenting with drugs in his youth, was leaving some wiggle room on the issue.

"The president opposes the legalization of marijuana," Gibbs told reporters, emphasizing his seriousness. "He doesn't think that's the right plan for America."

As for where the new administration stood on medical marijuana, he said to ask the Justice Department.

Gibbs suggested that marijuana advocates may have had a hand in stacking the deck by mobilizing supporters to send in questions and to go online and vote repeatedly for them.

(Writing by Matt Spetalnick)

[Lb128f]

Mar. 26, 2009 at 11:42 PM

I think it's his prerogative...although, I also think it's been proven that it is helpful to those suffering with various illnesses and it's a shame that it can't be legalized for at least that use. IDK...politically speaking...I am not sure anyone in "power" has the nerve to fully support it? I mean I know there are people who do...but, the President?? I think it's a whole lot LESS dangerous than alcohol...as a matter of fact -- I think alcohol is the only "legal" drug that you can consume and not remember ANYTHING that you said or did while intoxicated. Good post. Will be interesting to see the responses.

Interesting Link...http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=4516 State listings

And, one on this question...http://www.norml.org/

[MusikMama]

Mar. 27, 2009 at 7:37 AM

What realy frustrates me on this subject is the narrow mindedness some people have reagarding the uses of marijuana. I don't want it legalized so everyone can be a stoner, but there are a million other uses for the marijuana plant. It is a fast growing, strong, renewable resource, much like bamboo. It can be used for clothing, textiles, ropes, fuel, among other things. FUEL….did ya'll hear that! A fast growing, renewable resource, that we wouldn’t have to pay our enemies for that can be used as fuel.

Then of course there is the medical aspect. That happens to be a very personal subject for me right now, as my father is battling pancreatic cancer. Of all the 100's of drugs he's been on, the marijuana is the one that helps him the most. He can eat, he can sleep, he feels a little better. And when you literally have the end of the road in sight, feeling good as much as you possibly can so you can enjoy the last of your days is VERY important.

Every chance I have to sign a legalize marijuana petition, you bet your bottom dollar I do!

I'll try to find the article I read on all the uses for this miracle plant.

[NorahSethsMommy]

Mar. 27, 2009 at 10:53 AM

Very well put Linda...

I couldn't agree with you more Kate! If you find that article let me know...this is one area where Doug and I butt heads. He is also very unexperienced in thing "drug" related and sees legalizing as potentially becomming a druggie free-for-all. He sees my points and voted yes on the medical marijuana, although he didnt quite feel right about it, but knowing absolutely nothing about marijuana (never being aorund it at all) I'd like some sort of source to educate him a bit without us getting into a fight.

(Original Poster)

[MusikMama]

Mar. 27, 2009 at 11:59 AM

Here's one with a TON of uses for the plant:

http://www.ffhboo.com/hemp.html

[MusikMama]

Mar. 27, 2009 at 12:01 PM

Here are a TON more, lol.  Read at your leisure ;-)

http://www.dogpile.com/dogpile/ws/results/Web/marijuana!2Buses!2Bpaper!2Btextiles!2Bfuel/1/417/TopNavigation/Relevance/iq=true/zoom=off/_iceUrlFlag=7?_IceUrl=true

[Anouck]

Mar. 27, 2009 at 12:04 PM

Honestly, I think if he said he was in favor of it, he'd be committing political suicide... His opponents would have a field day with that, , and since there are so many ignorant people in this country, they would just blindly believe whatever the right wing rhetoric machine would spit out at them, and Obama would be even MORE undermined than he is now. It most likely wouldn't have a chance of passing anyway, unfortunately...

[NorahSethsMommy]

Mar. 27, 2009 at 12:19 PM

Thanks Kate!

You make a good point Anouck. Thanks.

 

(Original Poster)

[bineshi]

Mar. 27, 2009 at 12:58 PM

I believe that he (Obama) could be committing political suicide if he suddenly declared that he would legalize marijuana in this country.  However, I also believe that it's not the end of this...I think that as time goes on and he's been in office for a while longer...that more and more of the citizens of this country continue to advocate for the legalization....and when the state of the economy dictates that he (Obama) needs to reconsider the important economic (as well as ecological, etc.) benefits legalization of cannabis would provide...THEN cannabis stands a chance to be [finally] legalized.

But first, he needs to take "baby steps".  In the meantime, we...the citizens of this country...need to continue making taking our stand and making our voices heard.

 

~bineshi

[bineshi]

Mar. 27, 2009 at 12:59 PM

P.S.  Is it alright if I share this article with our MOMSLOM group?  Thanks...

~bineshi

[NorahSethsMommy]

Mar. 27, 2009 at 1:31 PM

Absolutely. Thanks for your input!

(Original Poster)