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Originally posted by Jefe928 I think the point I was trying to make was that alcohol (the consumption of which is pretty much a prerequisite of driving drunk) is dangerous (indeed moreso) than many other substances because of its ability to increase confidence while concurrently clouding judgment. The city of Denver recently passed a law decriminalizing (perhaps even making legal, I'm not a lawyer and I don't live in Colorado so I haven't followed it particularly closely) marijuana and the rationale was harm reduction--if people want a non-sober experience, they're less likely to do something stupid when they're stoned than when they're drunk. I happen to concur with this philosophy. And I'm sorry for your loss or any resulting pain--and I think it's perfectly reasonable to outlaw and have stiff penalties for endangering other people while under the influence of any mind-altering substance. Yet ingesting the substances themselves doesn't have to necessarily be dangerous or endanger others. But where do you draw the line? Numerous studies have concluded that people talking on cell phones while driving are at least as dangerous as drunk drivers. Should we outlaw cell phones? I had an uncle who developed lung cancer from a lifetime of smoking...and I still think cigarettes should be legal for anyone stupid enough to want to smoke them. And what about junk food? Heart disease is probably the leading preventable killer in developed countries. Should french fries be next? Where do you draw the line? Since every law results in a loss of liberty, I simply believe that we should draw fewer lines. The original rationale behind public policy to make illegal dangerous behavior at least partially hinged on the idea that the savings (in loss of life, etc.) eclipse the cost of enforcement. I believe the war on drugs is prosecuted in a financially wasteful fashion, using non-factual propaganda as justification. You can look into the history about how MDMA was scheduled as a wonderful example of nonsensical policy. Scientifically, LSD or psilocybin from mushrooms are probably the safest to ingest, simply because so few molecules are required to produce a powerful effect, and they target very specific neurotransmitter pathways in the brain. And although there are stories (more likely urban legends propagated by those with an anti-drug agenda) of people jumping from balconies because they thought they could fly, I can't imagine being under the influence of a hallucinogenic and wanting to climb behind the wheel of a car and drive home. Perhaps I overestimate the general public's ability to responsibly pre-arrange a safe mindset and setting. I think my life and perspective has been enriched by having a number of different experiences. Not everyone need feel this way, and it's clear others have had very negative experience compared to my positive ones. I guess I and the friends I've chosen to share experiences with have been lucky.

DITTO. Thank you for saying what I've been thinking for years.

That sux.... Buddahfingers were awesome!

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