international cannabis action

by Josef Tue Apr 22, 2003 21:12

It messes you up. I know cos it's messed me up. Keep your mind clear. That stuff leaves your personality altered and robs you of yourr ambition.

by G - Irish Marxist-Leninist Party Tue Apr 22, 2003 21:28

Cannabis should be legalised. It is proven to be less dangerous than Alcohol and Tobacco. By arresting drug abusers you are punishing the victims.

by anon Tue Apr 22, 2003 21:30

Over indulging in most drugs will have that result. Obviously, if someone does it all day the results are negative. The point is, of course, that occasional use results in little or no damage to the individual - certaintly a lot less so than alcohol.

The most detrimental effect cannabis use has in the long term is due to the tobacco used in conjunction with it. A great deal more people abuse alcohol - a drug with vastly worse proven negative effects, but one which generates billions in revenues for the government and drinks industry.

The last thing these people want is a situation where one can have nice evening with friends at the cost of about €10 each when a current night on the town sets you back about €100. And if the latter results in a few deaths/beatings/etc, then so be it.

While I think the idea of the event is a good one, bear in mind

1) It's not politically beneficial to legalise it. Do you think the average PD/FF voter would approve?

2) It would cost the exchequer billions in lost revenue from vastly overpriced alcohol sales. Same for the powerful drinks industry lobby.

3) If cannabis was legal - presumably we would be forced with an extortionate tax on the stuff.

by Anon Tue Apr 22, 2003 22:18

Although for some people cannabis can be harmful, especially if taken to excess, the vast majority of people use it sensibially and it has no detrimental effect on their lives. Many people would actually say that it has benefited their lives.

But whatever harm may be caused by cannabis, the laws cause much more damage through an increase in organised crime, young people buying cannabis from criminals, a waste of court time etc etc.
All of this occurs without a shred of evidence that it does anything to 'protect' people from drugs.
Whatever about criminalising supply, criminalising consumption is totally without justification. It is a private matter and a criminal conviction will do much more harm to a person than the cannabis ever would.

The fact that the Gardai are discussing lobbying for a law that would mandate a three month prison sentance for possession of any drug should set alarm bells ringing!

by seedot Tue Apr 22, 2003 22:22

The economics of cannabis distribution works effectively against the inroads of cancerous capitalism cells and memes.
By attaching high risks and costs to firm growth and market penetration optimal distribution is through networked markets with low concentration.
The high social bonds created by partaking in illegal acts often encourage co-operative procurement and even production efforts.
Risks associated with international distribution have pushed many to combine technical expertise and a feeling for nature to grow local produce for local markets.
Other than attempts linked to the afghan war, resources are generally not diverted into branding and marketing the product - consumption often takes place as part of ritualistic events which control abuse.

The key to this is the removal of cannabis from the international capitalist system by virtue of it being illegal. Imagine how potent this tactic could be if more widely applied.

Make food illegal for a better planet!

by EM Tue Apr 22, 2003 23:28

Ah, but at least when you buy food it doesn't have pieces of plastic inside it and they don't usually put crap in it to make it look bigger!

by Frank Wed Apr 23, 2003 09:32

"Ah, but at least when you buy food it doesn't have pieces of plastic inside it and they don't usually put crap in it to make it look bigger!"

That's just the shit most Irish people get. However the quality is improving here and there seems to be plenty excellent pollen around the south at least, and ever increasing quantities good quality home-grown grass.

The reason we got shit was because we accepted shit and some people I know even preferred the shitty soap bar, plastic and all!

by Gaillimhed Wed Apr 23, 2003 12:36

Grow your own, its easy, and while youre at it plant some lettuce, a few spuds, carrots strawberries, whatever will grow for you, all you need is soil and water....and we got shit loads of that in ireland. break free from dependance on dodgy dealers and dodgier supermarkets, do your own quality control and know youre getting the best there is. self sufficiency has to be the beginning of true liberation from the globalised financio-fascist terror planned for us by our governments. get your hands dirty and lets stop chucking our money into the very system that we want to contain before it consumes us all.