Which is more dangerous in the hands of an otherwise law-abiding citizen?

[Jacobtm]

I'm sure this has come up before, but I just find marijuana laws in general ridiculous. You can smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, and own weapons, what is so bad about marijuana?

Blah

[Jacobtm]

Neither, both are wonderful things that we should be thankful for.

"Which is more dangerous:, not "is either dangerous?". Certianly both have their dangers. Marijuana can definately make you do stupid things that can have adverse side effects, and guns can accidentally kill people.

[Jacobtm]

Neither is dangerous in the hands of a law abiding citizen. A gun is more likely to kill someone else, so I'd vote for that, as it could accidentally go off through carelessness and kill someone, I suppose. Marijuana is far less likely to directly result in someone else's death.

But both, when used properly, are good things, not bad things.

It's funny. Even though I'm obviously in favor of legalizing Marijuana, I would actually argue that marijuana is bad for you. I've done it, and know first hand it's negative side effects, and I know many people who abuse it and really are worse for the wear.

But that's what happens in a free society; people should be free to do what they like, even if it's bad for them.

[Jacobtm]

Neither are, as a law abiding citizen would drop the joint and would use the gun illegally.

otherwise law abiding citizen.

I'm sure you meant to write "use the gun legally" instead of "illegally". But even if you don't do anything illegal, you can still be stupid. Using a gun in self defense, I could miss and shoot someone else. Plus, the gun could have a mechanical malfunction, which could lead to someone getting shot totally unintentionally.

[Jacobtm]

Obviously the joint is totally free from any 'dangerous' aspect at all

You should see some of my friends drive high.

[Jacobtm]

Obviously the joint is totally free from any 'dangerous' aspect at all

You should see my friends drive high.

In that case it is the car that is the dangerous element.

Well, yeah, a joint itself isn't going to cause anyone harm unless they burn themselves with it.

Which, mind you, I've seen happen many times.

"Dude, why didn't you tell me this was the lit end?"
"I thought you knew!"
"How was I supposed to know?"
"I dunno, look at it man!"
"Man..."

But by that logic, a handgun isn't dangerous unless you smack someone with it or drop it on your toes. Only the bullet is dangerous, and then only when travelling at high speeds.

[Jacobtm]

Obviously the joint is totally free from any 'dangerous' aspect at all

You should see my friends drive high.

In that case it is the car that is the dangerous element.

Well, yeah, a joint itself isn't going to cause anyone harm unless they burn themselves with it.

Which, mind you, I've seen happen many times.

"Dude, why didn't you tell me this was the lit end?"
"I thought you knew!"
"How was I supposed to know?"
"I dunno, look at it man!"
"Man..."

But by that logic, a handgun isn't dangerous unless you smack someone with it or drop it on your toes. Only the bullet is dangerous, and then only when travelling at high speeds.

And one could argue that a high speed bullet isn't dangerous; having your heart or brain or whatever torn to pieces is dangerous, but not the bullet itself.

Obviously that line of logic can go on forever.

Really, the problem is just with being solid. If you shoot a bullet into water, the water is fine.

[Jacobtm]

What would the other-wise law abiding citizen do w/ the handgun?--just poses it illegally or go on a 30-person shooting spree?

Handguns can misfire.

Also, just because you're law abiding, doesn't mean you're particularly careful. A handgun could easily be left somewhere that isn't totally secure, and a child could find it. There have been many cases of small children harming/killing themselves/others with handguns that were carelessly left lying around.