Legalization in America

Some time back while passing our Calumet and deep in council the topic of possible changes during the Obama Administration (perhaps the 2nd term) such as Legalization of Marijuana.

At first we agreed without much thought,but after passing the Pipe again one of us mentioned that such a change could very well mean the end for the American Underground Marijuana Culture we had come to know for almost 4 decades.


We discussed various aspects concerning government and corporate hands in our zip-lock bags.

Krypt said:

and your ponit is...

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... lost, or misplaced with alot of my other stuff.

My point is a question - Would legalization in America alter or end the
Underground Pot Culture ? Perhaps topic better suited for the OldTimers.

Reply if you want

i think it will unify and strengthen our community for we will no longer be underground and have to shroud our faces...

Shroud our faces ?

No, I was refering to the culture asscociated with illegal Marijuana use here in America, and how that will change once the Government and Corporations controll sales.

But hey if this subject is abit too lofty for pondering or any discussion.....

Example - Currently I would suspect there are those, living in places such as Kentucky or, West Virginia which are now experiencing lean economical times, growing, harvesting and selling or trading Weed in a way similiar to the MoonShining business. After legalization would their endeavors thrive or trinkle down like illegal homemade booze after prohibition was lifted ?

I expect legalization would affect their livelyhood to some degree.

I myself am from the ohio river valley, I've lived in West Virginia for a big chunk of that time as well as southern ohio. I can say that even before the hard economic times, in certain areas marijuana is a huge product both in high demand socially and a large number of growers are present it plays a huge roll in those local areas economically. In some places even moonshine still has its place (my neighbor was a moonshiner and a grower)

If it became legal I dont belive areas such as this will be hurt in fact I would find them to benefit more probally. As all these illegal mom and pop operations could go legit and on a larger scale and rather it be producing or just retailing the goods. Not to mention we got some of the best growers and probally more of them than anywhere else in the country.

In the end yes it would be an end to the Underground culture. At the same time however it would be the start of an entire new nationwide culture. Just like cigarettes had their Fad times in the 20 and 30's where everyone and their mother smoked I would see marijuana having the same fad period before it would settle down to its normal users like we have now with cigs and alcohol.

I think their efforts would eventually stop, but it would create jobs if people began to mass produce marijuana like the tobacco boom

Not only would it produce alot of jobs, but it would also benifit the government by taxing it like tobacco and alcohol..... I am sure many Americans old and young would buy Cannabis for personal use.....

Chief Pipe said:

My point is a question - Would legalization in America alter or end the
Underground Pot Culture ? Perhaps topic better suited for the OldTimers.

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Don't know if I qualify as an old-timer(40 years old burning for 24 of them) but I will gladly see an end to the "Underground Pot Culture" if it means I can grow and smoke in peace without fear of going to jail for it. Imagine the "culture" that could rise if we didn't have hide any longer.

Krypt said:

I think their efforts would eventually stop, but it would create jobs if people began to mass produce marijuana like the tobacco boom

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Ever so true. It could create jobs and revenue if kept in the states and carried out in a productive manner.

One would think it would be more regulated than Tobacco, I mean, like quaffing from of a bottle of rum, one wouldn't be within the law to 'hit one' while driving, or spark one up while at the movies. There will be laws concerning the consumption of weed. That much is to be expected and delt with or worked around.

Within a PipeDream thought I ponder if this wonderful, recreational practice will loose alot of it's Soulful purpose or traditional aspects, once regulated and over commercialized .

TemporarySaint said:

Don't know if I qualify as an old-timer(40 years old burning for 24 of them) but I will gladly see an end to the "Underground Pot Culture" if it means I can grow and smoke in peace without fear of going to jail for it. Imagine the "culture" that could rise if we didn't have hide any longer.

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That would be a good thing, that is if the law allows you to grow.

We're not talking tomatoes or growing turnips.

What if it's looked upon as it is in some states the same as distilling illegal spirits ?

What if it's a federal charge ?

Indeed, nothing would be better than a fine flowering garden of potent puff-stuff.

Decades ago, when I use to grow between two streams in rich black bottom land soil while throwing myself flat upon that fertile earth, every time a helicopter passed over, my thoughts afterwards were usually - Was that the fuzz ? Did they see me ? and then 'Hopefully the day will come when I can sow, grow and harvest right in my own yard.

And the years have passed now that I'm too long in the tooth to out distance some fleet-footed Local Public Servant or DEA boys.

So if we are allowed to Grow our Own, none shall be more delighted than me.

changes during the Obama Administration (perhaps the 2nd term)


God help us if this Socialist gets re-elected my great great grandkids will be paying for his MASSIVE expansion of gov't.