ThankYouForYourTime
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Hello fellow Imgurians,
I understand this is a hot-button issue, so scroll past or downvote if you want. Like the title states, the FDA is seeking commentary on legalizing marijuana. Although the purpose of this was carried out in March (a review in Vienna, Austria) the commentary is open for review until Sept. 30 2019. YOU CAN SUBMIT ANONYMOUSLY. They state all comments will be reviewed.
You can also contact your state representative, but **this is a way to contact the FDA and WHO almost directly** letting them know you support legalization.
My reasons are medical, as my (doctor diagnosed) anxiety levels cause severe nausea and pain to the point of tears. My doctors prescribed medications (one of which is highly addictive) that have created more side effects for me than relief. Marijuana (THC) use has been the only consistent relief I have found. If the state you live in does not have a regulated dispensary, you put yourself at risk every time you purchase. I wish there was an alternative but the legal, doctor prescribed route has been ineffective for me (and others).
Pew Research on legalizing, 2018: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/10/08/americans-support-marijuana-legalization/
————————————————-
LINK TO COMMENTARY PETITION:
https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FDA-2019-N-0767
Closes Sept. 30th!!
Please, we all know how hard it can be to get our voices heard by those in government. Even if you do not support recreational use, please consider the benefits for medical use. Cancer patients, chronic pain sufferers and anyone else who finds relief with marijuana are not always able to move to a legal state. It is also possible that this could help give to American farmers as a new source of income.
Thank you so much for reading. Hoping for the day when I can get the help I need, legally.
Edit: Since posting, more than 300 more comments have been added to the list! (Later Edit: Now at 700 new comments!!)
Final Edit: 1,000 new comments added in two days! Thank you so much everyone!
*Last night, the page got stuck on Loading... it is now working again! Please continue to leave your comments on the website!*
Thanks to everyone who has, let’s keep it going if we can. The more publicly supported this effort is, the more likely those who pass the laws will recognize that their voters want to see this happen.
Bird tax, because why not.
ThatNameWasTaken
Bird tax, because it’s high
AgamemnonsMemes
Marijuana being illegal is the ultimate 'we have bigger things to worry about right now' of our age. Just fucking legalize it already
justGeorge
Yes, legalize.
CPTWildBillKelso
I use it for ptsd and it has literally saved my life. There is no way in hell I’m going back to pills.
CamelaShy
Only thing I'd say as a canadian is that no vehicular operation while on it. It isn't a performing enhancing drug at all.
ThankYouForYourTime
I agree, it should have the same warning: *do not operate heavy machinery...*
babycheesehead
I’m really surprised that more people didn’t favor it during the 70’s
Kazzfire
Yeah it's nice in my state but I wish more places could sell it
RidleytheRed
As a Colorado native, pot just stinks.
whooptydoo
Pot *smells, as other guy said *you think it stinks. If a smell offends you so bad consider blocking your nose
HoSlappa
*you believe. its an opinion, state it as such
pokos33
Which is why it should be limited to only on your property or designated areas. For other places, there are always more discreet options pen
random34567
That is what Colorado law is. I’ll see people smoking out hiking or the bars occasionally but anyone who matters doesn’t care.
fartbiscuit
I’m ok with the recreational part of it but more interested in the paper and other products that will be way cheaper afterwards.
OrionRed
Can you get good hemp from smokable weed?
CheeseB0t
They are two entirely different plants. So no.
SithShodan
That bird pic :D "It's hard to be humble when you're the archetype of handsome."
ThailandExpress
BruinBound
What should definitely be illegal though is making a chart with two lines that represent exactly the same thing.
crojohnson
They're not exactly the same thing, or they would be mirror images: https://imgur.com/b3wkeQo
loser9999
Actually slightly different because it shows a few percent who don't have an opinion
mymindisaterriblethingtowaste
I don't smoke, but I love freedom. Do what you like! Murrica!!
Dimestream
My comment has been submitted successfully.
ThankYouForYourTime
Thank you so much!
copingcabana
Let's get that up to 6 in 9, bro.
RobertDinero013
I commented on behalf of my fellow cancer survivors, we need THC as an option.
ThankYouForYourTime
Thank you so much. I hope you (and your fellows) continue to heal!
RobertDinero013
Thanks. I'm doing great, just had my second cancer-free scan on 9/3. I want to see the stigma taken away from THC so that it's more 1/2
RobertDinero013
Available for those in the cancer ward. The other drugs cost around $200/day and didn't help as much as the weed.
housev1l
I support legalization so long as it has regulations & restrictions like alcohol.
whooptydoo
No fucking shit, no restrictions was never an option or even request from non trolls
housev1l
I mean, like you can't consume alcohol in public spaces, just at home or certain designated areas.
random34567
That’s how the is in Colorado. Can only smoke on private property...however you’ll see people smoking at bars occasionally, but no one cares
whooptydoo
Yeah exactly, mj bars and smoking acceptable parks would make many stoners atop smoking in not those areas. Id love to have someplace
whooptydoo
I could go to smoke without worry, i cant smoke in my apt bc the landlord understandably doesnt want smoking inside
BraupPandaGodKing
It was criminalized as a way to control minorities. But the stuff today is a lot stronger. So it needs to be regulated, but decriminalized.
whooptydoo
It was made illegal to vet big pharma and paper profit as well, and the strength shouldnt really matter, getting 'too high' is nothing like
whooptydoo
Getting too drunk
kingbudo101
went to college in mass (recently moved here for work a few months back) one of the first dispensaries opened up a mile down the road from
kingbudo101
campus when i was still there. A LOT fewer drunken parties happen on campus my last year because of it
ThrowAwayAcct0000
I believe it. Just moved where its legal, & I drink almost none at all anymore. Why have the calories & hangover & puking when there's pot?
ThisGuyHiding
Thanks for posting! I left my comment but it needs more support... like 3k comments is not gonna change the minds of the FDA. comment peeps!
ThankYouForYourTime
It was 2,200 this morning, so let’s keep it up
ThankYouForYourTime
*approximately
ThankYouForYourTime
And thank you!!!
TheMellowPeril
Which reminds me: I have a perfectly legal half-blunt to finish tonight
ThankYouForYourTime
Damn, can I come over?
TheMellowPeril
If you don’t mind crossing the border and being apologized to.
ThankYouForYourTime
Oh, Canada
TheMellowPeril
True North, stoned and free
FaultyUmbrella
Another person with anxiety who uses. It's more common than you would ever think. I've supported and we're so close I think '20 is gonna be
heartlessninja6
The most successful periods in my career and personal life where during moderate use.
JustAGamerDreamin
Missed the best opportunity to use 'lit' I've ever seen.
cj89898
Heavily helps with stress. I honestly find the act of smoking by myself so calming and relaxing.
FaultyUmbrella
The year
ThankYouForYourTime
I hope so! Thank you for your support!
iputthefiresout
As someone who never plans to smoke, regardless of legality, I think it's ridiculous it's still illegal.
Codyblues
I’ve done it, a good amount, and I just don’t like doing it. But it should 100 percent be legal. Gov makes money, people get high. Win/win
fedeColorTerror
I'm with you. I have tried sometimes, I don't like it. Doesn't do anything for me. But I don't see why it is illegal.
whooptydoo
Because it cuts into big pharma and big paper profits
sunflowersticklemorethanfeathers
I used to be the same then got diagnosed with fibromyalgia vaping weed has been my only saviour but I always worry I'll get caught it sucks
MrsGogol
Six in ten support it, the other four thought it was legal already.
TheElicitor
Same, but the only reason I supported legalization in WA was that it makes medical use more free and open. Plus taxes.
VonKripplespac
Thanks homie. I'll smoke an extra one for you tonight.
KaJuN
*Three-in-five. Always reduce your answers!
SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACE
That's why I smoke more than usual on January 5th.
drbloodbathmc
So what you’re saying is three fifths of people support legalization, most willing to come to a middle ground. A compromise of you will.
samtherat6
I don’t get how even people against the devil’s lettuce can argue keeping marijuana as a class 1 drug when it has medical benefits.
whooptydoo
And nicotine, a literal poison used to kill bugs, is legal at q8
samtherat6
Nicotine and alcohol really shouldn't be legal as they are imo. They're only legal out of tradition.
whooptydoo
If weed is illegal they should be, imo none of them should be illegal
HolyHellJezebel
I don't think there is going to be federal approval until they come up with a test like breathalyzer.
RenegadeZX
I agree. In construction, you don’t want your 30,000 lb loader run by someone impaired.
whooptydoo
Can they use it while drunk? No, high on nicotine, yes! For some stupid fucking reason
OrionRed
Just hand a person a bag of cookies and see how many they eat.
officialmisunderstanding
I would fail every time. P.S. I don't smoke.
legitGiraffeBandit
Shit I'd fail that and I've never smoked a day in my life
7thor8thcaw
Honestly, I dont know what to think. I've always thought it should be legal, but it's crazy where people are smoking now. I took my kids
7thor8thcaw
To the park today (the one for fuckin children) and the moment I got out of my car I'm bombarded with weed smell. The park was packed with
7thor8thcaw
Kids no more than 50ft away and some careless assholes are smoking nearby. I've run into this problem at other functions too. I hate it.
Potentate
I grew up with smokers for parents. Weed may not be as harmful (probably, double check after long term use if it gets legalized) and 1/2
Potentate
2/2 weed smokers are totally willing to flaunt that shit and be obviously high. At least tobacco people know that it smells like shit.
WhyCantIStopArguingWithInternetTrolls
Agreed, just went on holidays to North America and I got so sick of smelling it everywhere.
whooptydoo
Im sick of smelling corporate waste dumped into my rivers, but thats legal
KingKelloggTheWaffleHaggler
It shouldnt be allowed in public at all, smoking is damaging to those around you
whooptydoo
Then driving shouldnt be allowed in public, its noisey, smelly, and far more dangerous to you than any smoke. There should be NO smoking are
whooptydoo
Like sidewalks, and no smoking parks for those who care to not smell it. It shouldnt be on users to be 100% discrete at all time
KingKelloggTheWaffleHaggler
Wow, what strange and far fetched logic.
HumfreeBugart
It should be as legal and as easy as buying guns
trey009872
So longer as the whole "no smoking section" gets enforced I'm all for it.
jetah
doesnt matter when the smoke carries for yards!
whooptydoo
Yeah so stfu, your voice carries for yards and i dont like the sound of it. In fact making any noise within 50 feet of a bed should be illeg
trey009872
Well there go my plans for tonight
cheshirecat00
I agree
Madmooch
In canada it's more stringent then smoking, most smoking sections have signs for no pot
Madmooch
Sections* designated smoking areas
trey009872
Didn't know that.
ThankYouForYourTime
I agree that it should be treated this way, as well.
johnnCosmosSmuggler
I used to smoke weed on the daily basis and I always treated it like cigarettes. Example: if a family with children are walking by me 1/2
johnnCosmosSmuggler
I wouldn't hit it and I would put it on the opposite side, if somewhere had a no smoking sign I would put it out and store it in a container
johnnCosmosSmuggler
Last one. I just never understood why some people want everyone to know they're smoking it's like buying a vape just to blow clouds at ppl.
yifin
This! Go vape, smoke & do whatever but stay away from others while you do it.
VinerialBlumpkin11
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy the outcome of that, but if a private establishment wants to allow it, nobody is forcing you to be there.
whooptydoo
Why downvotes? We should all be able to make decisions for ourselves, and smoking indoors should be one that stupid people like myself can
whooptydoo
Make
yifin
In the designated areas. And away from kids.
ilhares
And please, where it's the law, make sure you take your ass at least 25 feet from the damn entrance.
kraeftig
I hate being the guy to remind people that's the law here, but it annoys me to have to walk past a smoker standing by the door handle.
whooptydoo
It shouldnt be a LAW anywhere. If you dont like smoking dont go to businesses that allow smoking.
GrandProtectorDark
It definitly should be one. If you want to smoke, your thing. But if you want to smoke indoor, then it is a matter of everyone.
HoSlappa
i hate exhaust from cars but that doesnt mean people shouldnt be allowed to drive while i walk down the sidewalk
ilhares
Different issues, HoSlappa. The smoking bans (where I live, at least) legally require you to not be within 25ft of the entrance.
Andthenwewillsee
My wife and I just had a convo about this. You can't get secondhand-drunk. Something that needs to be addressed, we think, to pushing on
bernardld
Drunk people can be a real pain in the ass tho, that's pretty rare with stoners.
NubeyTooby
I mean, unless someone is intentionally hot boxing a small area you won't get 2nd hand high.
Kbantar
I know someone who has.
whooptydoo
You know someone who lied, or really somebody whos own misconceptions lied to them
Kbantar
I know someone whose tolerance is so low as to get high from someone smoking near her.
Badprenup
Maybe, but you can get 2ndhand covered in disgusting ass weed stench
goingtogoeatworms
Just like with cigarettes
HoSlappa
or delicious chron smell. i dont like fish smell but that doesnt mean the fish market needs to close shop.
trey009872
No. But there aren't people walking around with raw fish making eveeyone else smell it either. Time and place for everything man.
IHaveGreatKittenRecipes
Yes, but I can get first-hand dead due to an allergy to the pollen.
whooptydoo
Not my problem. If you can die from inhaling pollen you need to wear a mask, its your fucking problem to deal with.
BugOutReady1
Just so that I understand, some whole towns forbid smoking of tobacco at establishments, including restaurants & clubs. Applies to weed,too?
Filanwizard
Some whole states now ban smoking in establishments. That would include weed as it’s smoking, Just a different plant.
Skizzlesnap
Virginia is that way but to make it fair, if an establishment wants a smoking section (like cigar bars, etc) they have to have a...
Skizzlesnap
...completely separate HVAC system for the smoking section and it cant be directly connected to the non-smoking section.
Imjusthereforrecipes
Most states do now- as an asthmatic I’m very grateful for that
StarkRG
I wasn't aware there was still anywhere that allowed that and actually had smoking "sections" that magically kept the smoke from drifting.
whooptydoo
Dont go to establishments that allow smoking if its a problem to you, should not be enforced by the govt at all
StarkRG
I'm guessing you don't remember the time before it was government enforced and EVERY restaurant had a smoking section?
redbacardi
I do, but I also agree that a business owner should have the right to decide whether or not they allow smoking.
RealScienceMan
Definitely, it should also apply to vaping.
ViolentlyOfferingBeerToSheep
agreed
whooptydoo
It should be up to the establishment, at no level of govt should no smoking areas be forced upon private establishments.
whooptydoo
And the extent to which those are no smoking should be up to the establishment. If they want to permit vaping and/or smoking in a privately
whooptydoo
Owned, 'public' space they should be able to.
HoSlappa
as much as i find it annoying its not a big deal, like people not using their turn signal in a turn lane, i get it youre turning but still
whooptydoo
Yeah vaping doesnt have as severe of second hand symptoms, and it doesnt linger like smoke
HoSlappa
secondhand smoke damage is case by case, but walking by someone smoking vs someone vaping is nearly identical, the smoke is probably worse
balloonlord
Maybe bot. But if om somewhere to eat and someone blows that bubblegum smoke all over, my hunger is gone.
Skizzlesnap
True it doesn’t have severe second hand symptoms but I don’t want some douchenozzle blowing blueberry queef over while I’m trying to eat.
trey009872
Why not? If a county can vote to be dry they should be able to vote on allowing weed or not.
BugOutReady1
Lol! In Nevada, prostitution is legal, but the counties decide if it’s legal in their own county. Same with marijuana.
MasterPrime
We need to get rid of that dry county bullshit too. We're a global economy that's running 24/7. There should never be a last call.
4hybrid4
You can’t buy liquor on Sunday at all or any alcohol until 12:00 on Sunday in Texas.
Skizzlesnap
Especially considering most of the time them being considered a “dry county” has more to do with religion than economics or public safety.
Sekai
It's more an issue of second hand smoke in public places
BugOutReady1
I checked and most drug tests won’t register second-hand THC and if it does, it’s such a low level, it shouldn’t be held against testee.
Sekai
If you're smoking and not vaping they are getting the smoke, which is considerably worse than the THC..and now there are people coming
Thellluminati
I checked and I don't care. If people don't want to breath second hand smoke, they should be able to go into public without that fear.
somepersondoingsomethings
It doesnt matter. It's repugnant and offensive. People should understand and keep it to private areas. Cigarettes too & public intoxication
Kbantar
Some of my relatives are allergic. Their right to breathe trumps your right to get high.
Potentate
I don't want to smell weed in public just like I don't want to smell cigs. Wish my town would forbid public cigarettes, but whatever.
Imjusthereforrecipes
Actually most whole States in the US forbid smoking in all enclosed workplaces, and several more forbid it generally with some exceptions
whooptydoo
It really should be up to the workplace, dont work somewhere that permits smoking if its an issue to you
Imjusthereforrecipes
You do realize secondhand smoke causes cancer, right? Not to mention being tied to a host of other lung and heart diseases
whooptydoo
The few studies that have been done have not tied smoking part to terrible lung health, so i cant imagine the second hand effects are like
whooptydoo
Those of cigarettes.
whooptydoo
Dont go to restaurants or stores that allow smoking indoors. Really we dont know how bad or not second hand(first too) pot smoke is,
Fahargo
Should be just like alchohol, 21 to buy, and no driving while high
Totallyscrewedinaustin
That's how it is in Colorado. Was just there last weekend!
nasukkin
This is a bigger problem than you might realize. We haven't scientifically determined what a safe "highness" level is for driving.
whooptydoo
Sober. Same with drinking we just agreed to give people a bit of freedom and responsibility like we should
MerkNowitzki41
High people are great at driving
whooptydoo
People just arent good at driving. Being tired, distracted, high, drunk, mad, sad all make them worse.
TacoBellBelly
I’d rather drive stoned than drunk...
NSFWforlife
I'd rather you did neither of those things
MerkNowitzki41
Don't conflate weed w/ alcohol. They activate completely different brain receptors. THC isn't intoxicating
ViolentlyOfferingBeerToSheep
well, i think it should be 25+ to buy, but thats because we actually know the point where marijuana has the least damage to brain growth
whooptydoo
Then the same for alcohol and nicotine too, and war, we know how damaging that is to any brain, let alone an 18 year old
ViolentlyOfferingBeerToSheep
alcohol and nicotine dont have a cutoff point for brain damage unfortunately, and war scars resurface whenever they please
whooptydoo
I meant the war being bad for 18 yr olds, not nicotine but it is worse the younger
ViolentlyOfferingBeerToSheep
war is bad for everyone and so is nicotine
TheEvenPrez
I agree, but I vote 18+. If you can be trusted to vote or fight in a war, you can be trusted with this.
mugu88
Then they should lower the alcohol limit to the same. Fair's fair.
OliverClothesoff70
No. They should increase the war age.
KaJuN
Might as well raise the age of adulthood to 21 while we're at it.
OtterlyMagnificent
Might as well. It's not like anybody can really DO anything until they're 21 anyway, because of College.
wifilord
My state made it legal a while back, I believe its 18+ and a cheek swab at a cop-stop if they suspect... idk, i don't use it myself.
TheRevolverOcelot
Americans are so dumb they need to be 21 to think... allright I'm going back to my palace in scandinavia.
TheRevolverOcelot
Pussies downvote btw. :)
officialmisunderstanding
fatbottomgirlsmaketheworldgoround
driving while impaired/intoxicated covers alcohol and drugs. you can't drive within 2 hrs of thc here in Ca, plus no edibles in the car
jimbox114
Yea would generate alot of tax revenue also.
Duendes
Problem is, it's kind of hard to road test if someone's high. Blood test is out since it can stay in for a few weeks
PainlessSteel
If the drug is still in your system for weeks, then to some degree, you'd be affected, I'd imagine. Like a BAC%, they could determine THC%
whooptydoo
As you break down a drug there is exponential decay in the rate at which you digest it. Also they dont look for THC
PajamaStripes
That's not how it works...
Kbantar
They test for metabolites of the drug which remain for a long time.
Kbantar
Up to two months if you're a heavy user like someone I knew.
ShoeBoughtDaRobot
Blood test is three days, thc metabolites do not stay in the blood stream for very long
EccentriCanadian
False. You can test positive for weed a LONG ass time after the fact. A friend of mine lost a job on the D/A test for that very reason
ShoeBoughtDaRobot
Again, not a blood test, it gets stored in fat cells and hair follicles due to it's fat solubility.
KingKelloggTheWaffleHaggler
In WA people smoke it all over EVERYEWHERE, it smells and way too many people drive on it
gabewalker10
Yeah siting at a light behind a car with smoke billowing out isn't cool
zFUBARz
In Canada, it barely seems to come up.
KingKelloggTheWaffleHaggler
WA is a drug and smoking capital
112797
And no public consumption, so the people who don't care don't have to smell it
whooptydoo
You can get over a smell. You dont see bakeries getting shut down cause they smell up the neigborhood, you personally just dont like
whooptydoo
The smell. There need to be areas where people can use it, otherwise theyll use it wherever the fuck they want with 0 regard to the dicks
whooptydoo
Who cant get over them selves and live with people
cazzletron
I'm not saying it would be a bad idea, but could be hard to enforce unless they are openly smoking
CapnShelby
I mean, they're smoking already without getting caught lol
Anonawesome
If it were allowed to be researched I'm sure we'd have reliable field tests by now. They're developing breathalyzers right now though.
cazzletron
People thought I always looked high way before I even smoked and I have had an open bag stink up my car for a couple days
Skizzlesnap
Actually there is a company that’s working on a THC breathalyzer that’s close to market.
CeliusFFXIV
These are the rules in Alberta, Canada. 18+ to purchase, no driving under the influence. Can smoke anywhere with some restrictions.
illogicalphallusies
depending on your city the restrictions are " only in your house, and your landlord can say no". seriously.
CeliusFFXIV
As well as smoking rules in public. Can't be within 5 meters of a public entrance etc.
zFUBARz
Why not? not technically allowed to drink in the streets, and all smoke lingers, so sure, landlord has a say. Balcony should be safe though.
whooptydoo
Eh, if the landlord doesnt want you smoking on the balcony live somewhere else, its their property still
housev1l
It's easy enough to smell.
whooptydoo
Yeah cause cops would never lie to incarcerate somebody they dont like... not a dangerous proposition at all...
Kbantar
I smell pot on you. Prove me wrong. Oh look, the test says you've ingested pot in the last month. Guess the ticket stands.
clh101
With the exception that in Canada recreational drugs are 19+ to buy it's treated almost exactly like alcohol for legality.
BloodAndDonuts
18 in my province.
ACanadianPerson
Yes
IBrewLiquidGold
Username checks out
illogicalphallusies
apparently(according to MADD radio commercials anyway) its 4hours after smoking not 8hrs like alcohol. however, YMMV if you feel funny, dont
whooptydoo
Theres no set time for alcohol, not sure about pot, either way a time constraint is a stupid idea
EccentriCanadian
I dispute that in the case of alcohol (don't know enough do dispute pot). People need time to sober up that takes decision making out of it.
whooptydoo
Its not a set time required by law though. For weed the time varies from 45 mins to 8 hours, depending on intake method, in my experience
MithridateEupator
Not an exception because Canada is not part of the US. Little known technicality.
AlcoholicsAnonymousBYO
If only ..there was a network linking most computers around the world, so people like policy makers can research best global practice.
ColdColas
He's agreeing with everything the previous comment said, just that Canada is 19 while US is 21.
VinerialBlumpkin11
I never understood why anything should start at 21. Your an adult at 18.
VinerialBlumpkin11
You're
PorneliusHubertII
Brain is still developing. That is why alcohol is 21.
whooptydoo
Its still developing after that, and war is probably worse for your brain than alc
VinerialBlumpkin11
Then move the age of adulthood to 21. Or what I would prefer, let people make poor choices for themselves.
Fahargo
Because they raised the age and found a drop in drunk driving deaths
rando84
Easier to control driver’s licenses than alcohol sales. The naïveté of expecting undergrads to patiently not drink for three years of (1
rando84
school always seemed bizarre to me. I guess the secret purpose might be to give citizens a healthy disrespect for the law/sneaking skills.(2
officialmisunderstanding
It's a shame that those deaths are often not those of the drivers.
valen00
Pretty sure you could keep going past 21 and would see the same pattern. "When we stop people from drinking they don't drink and drive"
Sutashi
To a point. Don't forget that prohibition was a thing that failed massively.
valen00
I was suggesting it was a bad thing not a good thing mate.