Oregon and Washington D.C. Vote to Legalize Recreational Marijuana. Who is Next?

[8to32characters]

Originally Posted by annie_himself

In Louisiana, once the politicians see that the marijuana lobby is stronger than the prison system lobby then they will cave in. It's all about the money.

Wishful thinking.

However, Louisiana is very different from the West Coast. There's much less tolerance in Louisiana for progressive ideals such as medical marijuana among others such as same-sex marriage, the "green" movement (e.g., recycling), organic eating and living, electric and hybrid cars, caps on land development, and so forth--you get the picture.

Louisiana will eventually legalize medical marijuana, but probably not for another 20 +/- years, unless, of course, there's a federal preemption by that point.

[ABQConvict]

Originally Posted by 8to32characters

Wishful thinking.

However, Louisiana is very different from the West Coast. There's much less tolerance in Louisiana for progressive ideals such as medical marijuana among others such as same-sex marriage, the "green" movement (e.g., recycling), organic eating and living, electric and hybrid cars, caps on land development, and so forth--you get the picture.

I understand that Louisiana is a socially conservative state, but do you really think marijuana comes 'as a package' with such things as gay marriage and hybrid electric cars? I bet that while your average LA good ol' boy has no desire to marry a gay or drive a Prius, there are a few who smoke pot, and more than a few with illness in their family that can be treated with medical marijuana.

As far as the medical marijuana situation, its pattern of support does not fall strictly along progressive lines. It has support among most progressives, but also most libertarians, and frankly, among not just a few conservatives as well.

I do agree that recreational marijuana has a longer haul in LA than a lot of states, but I wonder what the positive economic effects of legalization might have in the long run. When regular Louisianans see their family members going to jail for growing a patch while Colorado and other states are raking in money... Well, we'll see, I guess.

[cheese plate]

Originally Posted by annie_himself

Actually their salary and pensions are taking much more of your tax dollars than a few people paying fines, if their sober enough to remember to pay them.
Losing your tax money and being happy about it.

Good call. And the answer is: dude is happy as long as "his side" keeps winning elections. Has zero to do with the true effectiveness of the laws or any other budgetary concerns. This goes for both sides.