YOUR COMMENTS

Ozzie, you are being ridiculous. You have no idea what I've lived through or even IF I smoke anything. And those stats are not made up. According to the FBI UNIFORM CRIME REPORT about 100,000,000 Americans have tried Pot. There are 15,000,000 who use it at least once a month and about 1,500,000 who have become users of hard drugs. If you remember any fifth grade math then you can see that only 15% of people who try it keep using it and 1.5% go on to harder drugs. Again, using MATH we can see that 98.5% of people who try Pot NEVER move on to harder drugs. Anyone who wants to can look it up for themselves.

And as far as addiction goes, there are two types. Physical, which lasts for a couple weeks in the case of Heroin or Tobacco and not at all for Pot, and MENTAL, which is with you for the rest of your life regardless of what you chose to escape reality.

Please explain how the cartels will be able to sell their weed for $400 per ounce when people can grow it for free because this is really a stretch of the imagination. Do you think they'll keep smuggling just for tradition?
- Budd, henniker

Budd, you just have not been to Hell and back. Your 98.5 stats are made up. Your other falsehood is that addiction is not chemical. Try heroin and find out what a chemical addiction really is. As far a making it legal so criminals don't sell it , that also is false. The Mexican drug cartels will have a field day . The real issue is Budd, is do you really need to get stoned? Go 2 weeks and let us know how you feel.
- Ozzie, Manchester

Ozzie, give me a break. Every drug addict I ever knew had breakfast cereal as a kid. That doesn't mean that the cereal was a gateway. The FEDERAL GOVT's own numbers show that 98.5 percent of people who try Pot never move on to harder drugs. If you understand addiction then you know its mostly a mental thing. That's why people who are addiction prone end up addicted to gambling, sex, food or the internet. There's no chemicals involved.

Besides, if you were into drugs that much then you, of all people, know the kinds of criminals who get rich selling them illegally. Do you really want these people to continue making money? Do you really want them to continue having turf wars that endanger our kids?
- Budd, Henniker

Its unreal how the "pot heads" attack anyone who is not on their side. This is what turns me off about the legalization crowd. As a former drug abuser[starting with pot], I can say from experience that pot is nothing but mind corrupting garbage. It makes it a lot easier to move on to hard drugs. I know scores of former addicts who will tell you the same tale. I don't say we should jail users but these people are painting a picture that is false. They are way off base and need to face reality. Pot should never be legal. Its not a harmless , fun time weed . Again these people worry me because they are trying to pass off lies and get crazy if you are on too them. Just look at their comments.
- Ozzie, Manchester

Charlie, all you do is make personal attacks. You have come up with no facts of your own. You want to talk cost to society? Then explain how these drugs WERE all legal at one time and we didn't have the violence. Explain how the crime associated with Alcohol tripled after it was banned and then went down again after it was made legal. Explain how Portugal's drug crime rate went DOWN after they decriminalized EVERYTHING in 2001. Explain why Switzerland hasn't had an overdose death in the 10 years since they started letting addicts get heroin at clinics. And most of all, explain why anyone is going to buy Pot from the Mexican cartels once they can get it for free.

The problem is not the drugs. Its the drug war and people like you who want to continue it without looking at the effects. Ten times more people in jail than 20 years ago, police corruption higher than ever, drug gangs making BILLIONS of dollars a year, destroyed neighborhoods, innocent people killed in botched raids or by drug dealers and more cheaper drugs available everywhere you go. I don't think you even know the cost of what you're supporting or you wouldn't support it.
- Budd, Henniker

Charlie--you're going off on a tangent here. You and a few others seem to fear having a rational dialogue and instead create this fictional group of crazy reefer addicts that are going to steal your women and turn your children into commies. It would be funny if it wasn't scary that anyone actually thinks that way.

As to thinking that I know it all--there is a strangely empowering notion that comes along with education. I don't fear what I don't know or understand--I take efforts to educate myself in order to have a more thorough understanding of the subject. The conflict occurs when those that refuse to educate themselves constantly repeat falsehoods, in the instance, regarding addiction rates that don't exist, debunked gateway theories and more. You intentionally prey upon the fears of others rather than promote the spread of accurate information.

As to caring about substance abuse and addiction--you've got it backwards Charlie--prohibition does nothing for the addict and creates an unregulated market. It also makes the user a criminal rather than a patient eligible for treatment. You really don't believe that our prison system is drug-free do you Charlie? Or that the prison system fosters a healthy treatment environment?

Whatever your 'American way of life' is Charlie, I don't want any part of it if it involves maintaining failed policies and preying upon false fears to control the population. The America I love is better than that.

In summation, not a pothead, not a liberal, not a dictator, not arrogant, not a concern for L.E., not a threat to the 'American way of life'.
- JB, NB, NH

JB,NH,NH shows us the dictorial side of the pro pot crowd. They don't care about drug addiction . They all get nasty if you do not agree with them . They want pot and other drugs legal no matter what the cost to society and our childrens future. They also believe they now all. Big brother mentality. They also will call you a liar if you don't support their dangerous ideas. These people are a danger to the American way of life.
- Charlie, Concord

I am fiscally conservative as you can get and part of watching my dollars feeding a war against its people is enough for me to say legalize pot. Prohibition does not work and we will begin to see this with tobaco reverting into some type of prohibition. This is also proof that our government education is failing since there are many grown ups that appear to have no clue about pot and its effects. I would think that anyone over 55 has been well versed on the minimal impact pot use has when compared to alchohol or prescription drugs and the most damage that is does is from the black market and legal abuse against the victimless crime. This is the Government trying to flex its control over the herds over a non issue issue that should be left up to us the people. I think this is why the Republican Party is falling apart and the Libertarian Movement is strongly emerging. Stop taxing and spending and trying to control everything or else we may be heading for a real Tea party/Tobaco party or some other unjustified tax party. I thought the Beatles taxman was a joke but it has turned into a reality....
- DP, Concord, NH

Charlie, how sad is it that Potheads can proofread their comments and spell correctly and you can't? "yourselfs????" And I'm supposed to let people like you decide if I can smoke Pot? Give me a break.
- Budd, Henniker

Hi Charlie--ironic that you declare 'don't believe the lies!', when you're the one perpetuating them.

And I'm neither a 'pothead' nor a liberal.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
- JB, NB, NH

When they were trying to eliminate the income tax in MA, and many started screaming about The Aocalypse, I just said "Look over the state line in NH. No income tax. Does it seem like anarchy?"

I say the same thing to other NH residents: if you want to know what things would be like, just look a few miles south. Marijuana is now, for all intents and purposes, legal in MA. It's still illegal to have large amounts, and of course you are still responsible for your actions (driving while stoned, committing other crimes, etc). But the possession of reasonable amounts now just gets you a relatively small fine. It's no big deal. MA has, for once, acted smarter than us and started focusing their resources on *actual* crimes - crimes which have victims, unlike smoking marijuana.

So now pretty much any one who wants to smoke pot in MA can and does, only risking a small civil fine if caught. And what has been the result? Anarchy? MA may well be screwed up in a lot of ways compared to us, but one they that has *not* resulted from the recent decriminialization is some kind of Apocalypse caused by waves of crazed pot smokers. Probably the per capita consumption of Cheetos and Ritz Crackers has gone up, but other than that... nothing.

Whichever side of the issue you're on, don't listen to the propaganda from either side, yours or theirs. use your head. Look around. Gay Marriage. Medical marijuana. marijuana decriminalization. Have any of these issues caused the sky to fall on our heads? Nope. Business as usual in all those states. The best evidence is what happens - or *fails* to happen - in places where this has been done. So are more people getting stoned in CA because of relative lax laws? Probably. But can anyone show what *harm* has been caused?
- Doug Linder, Derry

If this bill goes into law the next step is legalization. Thats why the potheads get wound up if you do not agree with them They don't care about someone with cancer. They want to buy pot at the corner store. The other problem that has areadybeen brought up is that potheads can't control themselfs. They will be getting stoned every chance they get. At home, work, in the car. They just won't stop. Then after pot the legalization crowd will move on to cocaine and other hard drugs. Don't fool yourselfs , this is not about personal freedom, its about taking our state back from a certain ilk that wants to change our way of life and values. Don't believe the lies!
- Charlie, Concord

Charlie of Concord, it appears that YOU don't have a clue. There are already laws against driving while intoxicated. Why should people be put in prison for staying home and smoking?

Criminals sell Marijuana as their main income source because its illegal status means they can get up to $600 per ounce for taking the risk to grow and sell it. Any pothead could grow this stuff for free if they weren't afraid of going to jail. So I'll ask you the same question I asked Walter. Why do you favor the system that allows the criminals to make so much money?
- Budd, Henniker

As far as Budd in Henniker goes Walyer is right on the money. I had the same problem with my trucking company ten years ago. Let me tell you Budd, you don't have a clue what that crap has done to your brain.
- Charlie, Concord

Walter of Manchester. Why don't you go find out the cost of Marinol? Why should someone have to pay hundreds of dollars a month rather than grow their own for free? Marinol is a poor substitute anyway since it only contains synthetic THC and the dosage can't be controlled. Once you take the pill, that's it. With Pot you can take only one puff or you can take ten, whatever you need, without getting too much into your system.

As far as your claims about potheads in your business I am going to come right out and say you're lying. Any self respecting stoner can beat those tests easily.

Would you please explain why you are trying so hard to keep the system in place that lets criminals control the drugs and make huge profits?
- Budd, Henniker

You do need to grow or smoke pot for medical use and we all know what the real deal. Its all about legalization. Maranol is available for those who need it. These pot head think this bill is a step closer to legalization. As a business owner I screen for drugs because my worker comp. claims were so high. The accidents were all caused by the employees who tested positive for pot. My claims are down 90% in one year after I got rid of all the pot users . I saved enough money to stay in business in these hard times. I gave them all a chance to clean up and 60% would not or could not. Out of those 50% went to rehab at my expense and are now drug free. I did the right thing. Don't be fooled bt this bill. Its a con job.
- Walter, Manchester

This bill is FAR more tightly written than most if not all other MM bills! Unlike CA young people WILL NOT be able to get MM for a headache or stress!! This bill is written for people like myself who have CHRONIC ILLNESSES!! I have PAINFUL neuropathy in boot feet! My neurologist has recommended MM for a number of his patients who have Chronic illnesses and they have had positive outcomes! It's time the Gov get on board and do what's right! Mr. Lynch PLEASE sign the bill!!
- Ken Holt, Alton

This bill is bad news. Its a open door for full legalization. The pro pot radicals are pushing hard to make this happen. They don't care about medical use. Pot nearly ruined my life. I started with pot as a teen and ended up in rehab 10 years latter with a coke and heroin addiction. They are all trying to mainstream pot so they can go into business. This bill will cause harm to our children. Don't believe their lies.
- Liz, Manchester

Chris, California is a poor example of medical marijuana. Its "abused" in your state at every level. All of the other states have had successfull MMJ programs. Look to our neighbors for better examples. Our bill if passed will be the most tightly controled set of MMJ laws in the country. Its hard to see anyone abuseing that privilage here in NH like you have seen in California.
- Mark, Gorham NH

I urge RI to think carefully before supporting mm. Here in CA anyone over 18 can get pot for "anxiety" "pain" or "insomnia." and most of the "patients" are young people who are not seriously ill. The marijuana lobby is writing these bills in an effort to legalize marijuana step by step. I voted for it but regret it. Medicines should go through the process before approval, and smoking anything is not good for health.
- Chris, Belmont California

Stephen, "We as society" What exactly does this mean?
The majority of the people in this country that WANT this to pass, and want marijuana to be legalized? Our "Society" is a heck of a lot different than the little bubble that you and your cronies are living in. People know that the laws regarding marijuana are bogus period.
- Frank, Manchester

StephenA You obviously have more hot air than knowledge on this topic. I didn't expect $50 worth of marijuana to work better than my $1600 Zofran anti-nausea pills while I was getting treated for cancer but it did. I would have needed a refill of Zofran for another $1600 if it actually worked but thankfully I found a better treatment. There is study after study and major medical organizations that have endorsed medical marijuana. It has been used throughout the ages as a safe, natural medicine and no one has ever overdosed on it. I guess you prefer to turn anyone with serious chronic pain from degenerative diseases into opium junkies? Or do you think they should just suck it up and stop complaining? By the way I'm a proud Republican activist too so you cant dismiss me as a lefty.
- Dennis Acton, Fremont, NH

To Stpehen A., Manchester.. So should we make acupuncture illegal? After all you can't expect me to believe that sticking little needles into someone will make them feel better, Right? "With no medical testing or evidence to back up individual claims", acupuncture must be worthless.... OR we can look at it this way..If it actually helps an individual, then that person should have the FREEDOM to choose his/her treatment.

You want evidence on how abusing a psychoactive drug "helps."? Why don't you check out the health benefits of Tobacco...
- Chris, Goffstown

Stephen, you say the same thing all the time, get some new info. Your statements are plain out wrong, you act like your stuck in the 1940's. Most cancer research and glaucoma rechearch foundations do recomend marijuana if not in smoked for then in vaporized or eaten. It would be best if you stop spouting at the mouth and stand in the corner with a dunce hat on. Thankyou.
- Patrick, berlin

Robert, so-called "medical pot" is not a recognized treatment for cancer OR glaucoma, nor for any condition. We as a society don't approve drugs based on hearsay, or anecdotal evidence on how abusing a psychoactive drug "helps." With no medical testing or evidence to back up individual claims, they are worthless, from a public policy viewpoint.

This bill is simply an effort to legalize pot for the masses (and ALL of us may claim a self-described “serious” condition and obtain put at one of these centers, as the bill is worded.) Those in the pro-drug lobby who are cynically offering false promises to vulnerable sick people to achieve that goal of legalization should be ashamed of themselves.
- Stpehen A., Manchester

My righgt eye and eye lids were burned off from a stray fireworks accident in 1990.I was able to keep my eye however I cannot see.My eyelids are skin graphs from my other eye and my mouth I have no tears and i wear a cover over my eye so I can look somewhat normal .I have tried the high price pain meds and it is heroin.Ask yourself this if you were me what would you want 1.A natural plant or 2. Heroin.If you dont want this law to pass go outside take some sand and put in your eyes now keep it in there for 24 hours then tell me you dont think I have the right to decide now keep the sand in there for 19 years raise a family become a productive member of life graduate from college with three degrees ang fight the perscription companys for mercy it is 2009 we should understand every human on earth has rights the problem is there is still humans that think some should not have rights
- Michael Lamoureux, Merrimack NH

I am a conservative and I hope this passes (actually I would just wish they legalize it and treat it like they do alcohol)

I don't think it is true that local police swear to uphold Federal laws... do they? If they do then they still don't have to go after medical marijuana because the 10th Amendment states that NH law trumps Federal law.
- Chris, Hopkinton

funny how the governor had no problem signing the same sex bill but has a problem signing this i would rather see someone smoking pot in NH then see two men getting married in NH
- jim, andover nh

Why so long in time deciding the fate on this bill when it took less than a few minutes to decide to go back on his word on the gay marriage bill? Gov Flynch at his best I guess. I agree with Chet in Concord, tax the hell out of that too!!! Flynch has shown his true colors
- Keith, Raymond

I know that you bozos think that medical marijuana is what all liberals prescribe for themselves but, as it turns out, conservative Republicanics also get cancer and glaucoma, have chemotherapy and need something to make eating feel better so their systems don't shut down. It may be that a conservative is a liberal that just got mugged but they are easily out numbered by the conservatives that got cancer and all of a sudden see some merit in medical marijuana. Be careful for what you wish.
- Robert, Deerfield

I think Lynch should sign the bill and then tax the hell out of it.Just like he has on every thing else people need in this state...
- chet, concord