In Australia, possession of Marijuana isn't a criminal offense. Selling is, however. if you are caught with "pot" then it will be confiscated and u will be fined, released and sent to go and be caught again. the govt makes money out of the fines. If it were to be legalized then that govt income would cease.
Pot is a very difficult business to tax. it is simply a plant. it can be grown in any soil with little light and it simply needs to be dried for consumption. if it were legalized then the fines for selling would more-than-likely, increase (eg. growing tobacco is extremely illegal) before any reform can be considered, first a regulatory body would need to solve the problem of "home grown" and set up a registration body for sellers. a taxation system would need t be put in place and regulation of price would also need to be installed along with quality control. A very complicated process.
As far as effects go, i do enjoy a little pot in moderation. it relaxes me, helps me access my artistic nature and relieves my anxiety. it is very easy to abuse as are all drugs (ie alcohol). one benifet that it has is that it reduces aggression, unlike alcohol. but it also makes people extremely lazy which isn't good for general population from an national economy stand point. It also causes cancer and has much harsher negative effects than tobacco.
the drug (THC tetra-hydra-cloride or something) stays in a humans system for 4days to 3 months, having a continuing effect. coming down can make people very grumpy.
it is in itself NOT ADDICTIVE, however the effects of coming down often include a psychological effect, "if i have more pot then i wont feel so bad".
I am undecided in my opinion of Marijuana but i do know that it can be enjoyed responsibly. but responsible is a big word!
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