Decriminalization of LSD Bill [Passed/Vetoed/Withdrawn]

[Ebowed]

I motion to strike Section 3.

[Ebowed]

I'd just like to know where the 22% figure is derived from?

I'll vote against final passage if that clause is in the bill, fwiw.

[Ebowed]

We shouldn't be considering legalizing drugs for economic reasons.  If the purpose here is to exploit drug users and effectively establish a tax on the poor, I am not interested.  I am more interested in the gradual decriminalization of drugs so that possession is not illegal, and 'the war on drugs' is eliminated in favor of an approach that goes against dealers and smugglers, not everyday users.  I agree that turning a medical problem into a criminal one doesn't help anyone or anything, and the 'war on drugs' is a failed pursuit which was neither practical nor noble.

This should be about expanding rights, not exploiting vulnerable people to increase profits.  If you want to raise government revenue, jack up taxes on the rich.  I'll vote for it.

[Ebowed]

I'm not particularly concerned with what the actual tax rate is, I'm more concerned with what the revenue will be used to fund, and what the officially designated purpose of the tax is.  If we have a "sin" tax here, I am simply not interested.  I won't vote for anything that has a sin tax in it.

If you stipulate that the tax funds can only be used to fund medical care related to drug use or something of that nature, I could possibly vote for keeping the tax.

[Ebowed]

I add a friendly amendment to Section 3 stating the following:

The taxes collected off sales of LSD shall be used to fund the Interstate Highway System

I will certainly contest that addition as "friendly."

[Ebowed]

I add a friendly amendment to Section 3 stating the following:

The taxes collected off sales of LSD shall be used to fund the Interstate Highway System

I will certainly contest that addition as "friendly."

Why should we send the money to something that doesn't benefit anyone?

No, it's fine.  I gave you a chance to compromise and you didn't take it.  I'm not going to vote for this bill.

[Ebowed]

You didn't propose anything, you just gave a vague topic, so I picked something that was great for everyone.

I thought it was clear that any revenue made from exploiting drug users should fund something that directly helps them.  Not some general hackish feel goodery that "benefits everyone"-- that fits the very definition of a sin tax.  If the tax doesn't help the people that the legalization of this drug will hurt, why is it there?

[Ebowed]

It helps them, I'm sure they drive on the interstate highway system.  If you want the funds to go half to the Interstate Highway System and half to a Needle Exchange Program, I would be open to that.

Actually, if we're going to randomly peddle funds from drug use to transportation, I wouldn't vote for "boosting highways" or whatever the hell you're talking about, because I don't think we should be encouraging people to drive.  Of course, paying for public transportation would be much more ideal, but again I have to wonder what it has to do with legalizing LSD?

[Ebowed]

How about this:

I withdraw my amendment to strike Clause 3 and replace it with the following:

Section 3: Taxation
1. Taxes on LSD will be 30% per ounce sold.  Individual regions may set their own taxes on LSD as they see fit.
2. Revenue raised from taxes on LSD and marijuana will be split evenly among the following two funds:
a.) Needle exchange programs
b.) Public transportation, to be distributed among regions as appropriate.

[Ebowed]

I'm wondering what would be the long term effects of legalized LSD. Does the drug have any redeaming factors?

It does have some medical value, although I've forgotten what exactly.

[Ebowed]

Aye

[Ebowed]

Aye

[Ebowed]

Aye

[Ebowed]

Aye

[Ebowed]

There is nothing sad about finally taking steps towards ending the ridiculous idea that someone should go for prison just for using LSD.

[Ebowed]

Well, when we reconsider a better worded bill, it would be a good idea to add a section to remove the sentences of people imprisoned solely for LSD related offenses within the appropriate jurisdiction.  That, to me, is the more serious oversight, than whatever qualms people have with the bill as it stands (as frankly, I still remain unsure what they are, exactly).