Thread: GRAPHIC: Mexico’s Acapulco Rocked by Cartel Beheadings and Shootings

Originally Posted by Judy

Yes, so "poor performance" is simply not a consequence of cocaine use. There are other numerous disadvantages to health and of course the risk of addiction for that 2% from using cocaine, primarily from the good euphoric feeling one gets from it. That's why high-functioning, high-performance and very successful people are the primary users of cocaine. They're also the the ones who can afford it. The poor folks use the "crack-cocaine" which is more dangerous and less desirable, highly addictive, but cheaper version.

We should also note that it is also possible to overdose on cocaine. MW neglected to list "death" as one of the possible complications from using cocaine. It is a dangerous drug.

And as far as the human body is concerned, there is no difference between the cocaine that is snorted as a powder and the cocaine that is smoked as crack. The only reason that crack became such a plague in impoverished communities is because it didn't need a fussy environment for its consumption.

Typically, powdered cocaine is consumed by snorting up lines laid out on a surface somewhere. Crack can be smoked anywhere on the fly, in the back of a car, standing in an alleyway, in a bathroom stall. It is also easier to package and distribute in smaller doses, making it cheaper.

The difference between getting it into the bloodstream by exposing the powder to the nasal septum and exposing its vapor to the lungs is subtle but not as important in its risks.

The difference between the way the two are prosecuted is strictly political, some would say racist. That's one of the things that should change right away in shutting down the Drug War.

Yes, cocaine is definitely dangerous. And people need the true facts on that so they know in advance. That's why I think legalization with regulation, education, taxation and rehabilitation all paid for by drug users is the best way to deal with this activity and business. For example, when you legalize and shut down the cartels at least from operating in the US, establish the regulations for the businesses, which would all be domestic only, no imports no exports, run A to Z by licensed US CITIZENS ONLY, and set up your stores, you can require they have a card that's issued after they watch a film in an education room, read the pamphlets, and then they get a card. When they make the purchase, each purchase has an information document attached to it, just like when you buy pharmaceuticals, with all the details and risks about that particular drug or drugs they purchased.

Each sale is measured against the regulations that control the quantity sold at any one time. Each item would be produced according to producer's regulations that control the quality of the drug to make them as safe as possible. Growers would also be regulated for the same reasons. But like selling knives or guns, this is no guarantee of safety or that using them won't cause you harm. But at least the public before they purchase will at least have read the pamphlets and watched a film, a real film with real information, not scare tactics or morality crap, but actual truthful information about the real risks and consequences to health of using the various drugs and I think this will make a big difference for first-time users and limited users. If you exaggerate or lie, you'll lose all credibility, so it must be honest, straight-forward and truthful. Then have plenty of information available about rehab, telephone numbers, locations of facilities, 911 assistance if needed to get to a rehab facility, as well as information for people about signs that you need rehab, indicators of when you're in too deep, have gone too far, and need help right away, and be sure to let them know that it's free, paid for with part of the FairTaxes they pay for the drugs when they buy them, no stigma, no appointment, available on demand 24/7, privacy fully protected, just walk in and ask for help.

I think if we do these things, we'll actually see a decline in drug use in years to come. I think fewer young people will use them, I think moderate to heavy users will use less, and more will get the help they need to help combat addiction. We'll also see a virtual elimination of the illegal market, an end to foreign drug cartels and illegal immigration that's driven by the cartels, we'll see far less crime, incarcerations, ruined lives and broken families.

And to me, that's the best we can do to deal with this issue in a proper manner.

Then, we stop worrying about it and let the new system do its thing.