V.I. Daily News "Cannabis Chronicles" report

I have always liked Alana33's posts even though I've been snarky with her a few times. You're obviously very smart and I wish you well. Keep posting though!

Thanks vicanuck.
I appreciate your post.

I, too, appreciate her posts even though we are oil and water. The world has a shortage of people with passions.. Even if I disagree with them or if they are logically flawed.

Nothing like a backhanded compliment.
Right back atchya;)

It was TOTALLY purposeful. I can't let my persona get all sappy and soft. You are my Lex Luther (see I had to make myself Superman too)

No sparty, I'm your kryptonite!;)

No sparty, I'm your kryptonite!;)

Touché

Okay, enuff of all that!
We need to get back on topic.

Again, a serious discussion needs to be had for the USVI. USVI is NOT Colorado or Washington. There isn't obscene levels of unemployment like there is in the USVI.

I am aware of the failed drug war. I am aware that statistics do not seem to show a mad dash to obtain weed, get more drugs. Again, the socio-economic conditions in the two states does not resemble the conditions in the USVI.

All things must be considered. Social, cultural, environmental and economic dynamics included. I have mixed feelings on the issue. Let's not jump to a one size fits all approach.

BTW. There isn't a mad dash from the other 48 states to legalize. .

There has been serious discussion in the VI over the last few years with regards to the issue through numerous debates at UVI, town hall discussions, and senate hearings. The medicinal issue alone took roughly 4 years before it was put on the ballot.

In mentioning the socio-economic climate I am well aware that the VI is not Washington or Colorado ( both of which I have lived in as well ) but in mentioning that there is one thing that you left out. The islands have a very large rastafari population who considers Marijuana a holy sacrament and as such their usage is a lot different than people that goto the stores in the 2 states. Marijuana is a part of the local culture whether people like it or not. It is not going anywhere.

With regards to the unemployment levels, that is in part one of the reasons that Positive is pushing hemp cultivation and medicinal. It would create jobs on a multitude of levels.

With regards to the states not being in a rush....... well to a degree I beg to differ. In the last election Oregon and Alaska legalized as well as DC so that is a little less than 10%. I know that there are a few more that are going to be voting on it soon. If you look at the figures for states with Medicinal provisions itis way more....

No wonder locals hate this site

I'm local. I like this site.

Drunk and stoned people are already driving around the place. Just because it is not legal doesn't mean it is not every where...

most of the people on here are locals

I am all for the medicinal use of MJ. I question the legalization that would permit recreational use. Does one really believe that the legalization of MJ will make a significant dent on employment? Is that why people are considering the legalization of it?

There may be people already under the influence, but why make it easier/legal to obtain for everyone to be enticed? MJ is a dangerous substance that, again, its use affects not only the one using, but also affects those around the user.

MJ for pain relief. I'm for it. Controlled cultivation of the MJ for that purpose. I'm for it. Recreational? Need serious discussion before making that leap.

MJ is a dangerous substance that, again, its use affects not only the one using, but also affects those around the user.

Yes, it's really scary being around people who indulge in such a dangerous habit as you just never know when they're going to turn rabid, leap on you and tear you from limb to limb. 😀 Got to keep watching the classic, "Reefer Madness" to stay on track!

I must be getting old. Last time I did it, it just made me sleepy.
Seriously, one of the anticipated problems in Colorado (we left before recreational legalization) was use by people like truck drivers, oil field workers, really anyone subject to on-the-job drug testing. You can partake Friday night, be completely back to normal (whatever that is) by Monday, and still test positive and lose your job. There was talk about setting limits akin to blood alcohol legal limits, but I didn't keep track after moving here, so I have no idea what happened with that.

MJ for pain relief. I'm for it. Controlled cultivation of the MJ for that purpose. I'm for it. Recreational? Need serious discussion before making that leap.

OMG! I've smoked pot regularly my entire adult life (I'm in my 50's now) and have achieved positions as high as Director of Marketing in my career and now business owner. I've never thought of smoking a joint as anything more or different than having a beer or two.

I don't understand your fear. Pot has always been available, always will be available. Anyone can grow it, anywhere.

I have 0 problems with people doing it in the confines of their own home, but, inevitably, you WILL have another method to be under the influence....like alcohol or any other psychotropic drug, it's when they engage in activities that put other people's lives/health/well-being in danger, that's when it becomes a concern. DUI is a fine example. Operating heavy equipment, other forms of anti-social/non-productive behavior...

A possible gateway to other, more dangerous drugs...

MJ is a dangerous substance that, again, its use affects not only the one using, but also affects those around the user.

Yes, it's really scary being around people who indulge in such a dangerous habit as you just never know when they're going to turn rabid, leap on you and tear you from limb to limb. 😀 Got to keep watching the classic, "Reefer Madness" to stay on track!

Good grief, it's sad to know that such antiquated ideas still abound.

Is Reefer Madness still a thing?

I don't smoke. My circle of friends aren't regular users. I have ZERO fears of its legalization. Speaking of other drugs. Let's remove the criminality of them as well as other "morality" laws.

Is Reefer Madness still a thing?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbjHOBJzhb0

Is Reefer Madness still a thing?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbjHOBJzhb0

Seems legit.
I've changed my mind
No Weed!
Drugs are bad.. Mmmkay

"Operating heavy equipment, other forms of anti-social/non-productive behavior..."

I am lost here anti-social/ non-productive behavior??? I and many people I know are very productive and lead successful lives. Matter of fact I can clean the hell out of my house with a joint, or go hiking, or kayaking, or out and spend my hard earned money when high. Your ideals I must agree seem very antiquated. As I remember you posting you are moving your family to STX to teach. What kind of teacher are you?

Antiquated? These are concerns that many people TODAY have. I am not suggesting that everyone will start smoking weed when they are on the job. I'm saying that we should discuss the over all effects the "recreational" legalization may have. Anectdotal examples do not constitute blanket confirmation of the safety of weed.

I molecular biology background. Teach biology, physics, computer science, etc. Weed is not a SAFE drug. Abuse is always possible and the consequences of said use as well. There is nothing antiquated about my concerns or my opinions on the subject. Again, I support the medicinal use.

BTW, so what if it is already being used. So is cocaine. Should we legalize cocaiine?! I suspect you would not hesitate to do so.

I have 0 problems with people doing it in the confines of their own home, but, inevitably, you WILL have another method to be under the influence....like alcohol or any other psychotropic drug, it's when they engage in activities that put other people's lives/health/well-being in danger, that's when it becomes a concern. DUI is a fine example. Operating heavy equipment, other forms of anti-social/non-productive behavior...

A possible gateway to other, more dangerous drugs...

I would rather comment on this in a thread here that I created to debate the pro/con of this......

The gateway argument I could spend hours on evidence that there is not definitive proof that Cannabis usage leads the person down the road to other and more addictive substances. I testified in front of the senate in St. Thomas and in St. Croix with regards to getting medicinal marijuana allowed in the VI. What I find criminal is that someone with cronic health problems are prescribed substances such as OxyContin for pain and such which has a way higher addictive potential and were to the point that they had a huge addictive monkey on their back. They tried marijuana and it worked BETTER for pain management. Sadly the substance that the doctors proscribed which is for lack of a better term legal heroin, is ok but they have to go to back streets and corners for something that helps them more and isn't making them a opate addict.....

Antiquated? These are concerns that many people TODAY have. I am not suggesting that everyone will start smoking weed when they are on the job. I'm saying that we should discuss the over all effects the "recreational" legalization may have. Anectdotal examples do not constitute blanket confirmation of the safety of weed.

I molecular biology background. Teach biology, physics, computer science, etc. Weed is not a SAFE drug. Abuse is always possible and the consequences of said use as well. There is nothing antiquated about my concerns or my opinions on the subject. Again, I support the medicinal use.

BTW, so what if it is already being used. So is cocaine. Should we legalize cocaiine?! I suspect you would not hesitate to do so.

Yes I would legalize cocaine. Heroin. Etc.
Billions spent on a useless war on drugs. Prisons filled with users. Murders because of illicit drug trade. The list goes on. People have always altered their consciousness and legislating morality has been an abject failure. Weed is NOT a dangerous drug. Alcohol is far more dangerous and I do not hear archaic calls for its banishment.