# The "lazy after dope" thread, re: legal status of marijuana. **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [June 20, 2011, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204 "2011-06-20T20:39:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/1 "2011-06-20T20:39:26Z")
So [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=613154) just got closed by Czarcasm and I’d like to discuss it. I can understand discouraging posts encouraging the doing of “hard drugs” --those which are illegal everywhere. But a lock for merely discussing the effects of a substance that is medically legal in quite a few US states? Would it have been ok if he said he had a prescription for it, or only asked for input from others who do? It’s not like he was asking where to find it, or how much it costs, which would have unequivocally indicated he was engaging in illegal activity. I mean, if the mods are adjudicating to the lowest common denominator of legality, then shouldn’t they also forbid discussion of consumer fireworks? Setting them off is illegal in several states. We can’t talk about how we use cell phones while driving, because it’s jurisdictionally banned in Chicago and elsewhere. Owning up to a preference for driving without a seatbelt is right out. Obviously the thread was poorly written (OP must have been high :o), but that’s not a lockable offense. If a thread sucks enough, it will generally die on its own. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/2 "2011-06-20T20:52:31Z")
I understand that he used the hugely open to interpretation “in our opinion” clause, but I gotta say…that OP was a pretty good argument \*\*against \*\*marijuana, and I bet a lot of the replies would have been more along the lines of, “Yeah…you gots a problem dude…maybe it’s time to put down the bowl,” than “encouraging activity”. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/3 "2011-06-20T21:00:38Z")
Marijuana remains illegal in all 50 states under federal law. I think closing the thread was consistent with board rules, which do not allow discussion of current use. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/4 "2011-06-20T21:05:48Z")
But we could have had so much fun with him! ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Darth\_Panda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ee7513/32.png) [@Darth\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Panda)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/5 "2011-06-20T21:08:51Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > Marijuana remains illegal in all 50 states under federal law. Was going to post the same thing. Just because something doesn’t violate state law doesn’t mean that it’s legal (it could violate federal law, or a town ordinance, some treaty, or even jus cogens). I’m not commenting on the thread / rules - it’s just that this is commonly misunderstood and should be noted. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/6 "2011-06-20T22:00:57Z")
Hmm. What if the OP had been framed differently? “Does marijuana induce lethargy?” Is that okay? ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/7 "2011-06-20T22:21:19Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Hmm. What if the OP had been framed differently? “Does marijuana induce lethargy?” Is that okay? That would have been OK in GQ, with respect to the biological/medical effects of the drugs. In addition to the Registration Agreement quoted by **Czarcasm** in the thread, the [FAQ](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=384736) has this to say: > [@](#): > > Drugs that are illegal in the US: You may discuss the effects of drugs, but not where to obtain them. Limited discussion of past use of drugs is OK, but **discussion of current use is not.** Please include a disclaimer that the drug is illegal in the US. Given that 1) as noted, marijuana is illegal under federal law; and 2) the OP was discussing use in the recent past (and appeared to be under the influence when he wrote the question), I think the “current use” provision applies. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/8 "2011-06-20T22:31:34Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Hmm. What if the OP had been framed differently? “Does marijuana induce lethargy?” Is that okay? Yes, that should be OK. From the list of [FAQs on our board rules](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=7696990#post7696990) [item #5](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=7696990&postcount=5) specifically permits discussion of the effects of drugs, and limited discussion of past use, while forbidding discussion of current use. I can’t speak for **Czarcasm** , but I, too, would have closed the thread because the OP evidently wishes to discuss current ongoing use. ---
**Author:** ![Omegaman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e480ec/32.png) [@Omegaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omegaman)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/9 "2011-06-20T22:44:47Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > Marijuana remains illegal in all 50 states under federal law. I think closing the thread was consistent with board rules, which do not allow discussion of current use. Nailed it one whack. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/10 "2011-06-20T22:50:58Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > Marijuana remains illegal in all 50 states under federal law. I think closing the thread was consistent with board rules, which do not allow discussion of current use. FTR, we have recently allowed a couple of threads on medical MJ to stand, which, though legal under the laws of some states, is still a Federal violation as **Oak** points out. But, had those threads strayed into content more normally associated with current recreational use, or circumventing state laws to obtain MMJ, we would most likely have closed them. ---
**Author:** ![Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spectre_of_pithecanthropus/32/12343_2.png) [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/11 "2011-06-20T22:57:17Z")
As irksome as it may sometimes seem that this subject is somewhat off limits here, there are numerous other message boards and online communities devoted to cannabis; one may discuss any and all aspects of the drug and the plant it comes from. Some are well moderated and their members generally post in decent English as used by educated adults. ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2011, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/12 "2011-06-20T23:37:10Z")
> [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](#): > > FTR, we have recently allowed a couple of threads on medical MJ to stand, which, though legal under the laws of some states, is still a Federal violation as **Oak** points out. But, had those threads strayed into content more normally associated with current recreational use, or circumventing state laws to obtain MMJ, we would most likely have closed them. I just feel like there’s a disconnect between closing the thread mentioned in the OP (who seems to legitimately need advice) and allowing [threads](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=611994) [like](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=13863189&postcount=24) [these](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=604585&highlight=medical+marijuana) (talking about relative potency and length of time to grow a plant) [or](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=601664&highlight=medical+marijuana) [these](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=604534&highlight=medical+marijuana) to stay open. That last thread actually discusses current prices and potency… Sure, he can go elsewhere. But I’m not as concerned with the problems of one pothead in particular as I am with consistent moderation on the board. ---
**Author:** ![Sierra\_Indigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f0a364/32.png) [@Sierra\_Indigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sierra_Indigo)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2011, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/13 "2011-06-21T00:38:07Z")
Consistent moderation? You’ve got to be fucking kidding, right? ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2011, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/14 "2011-06-21T00:55:34Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > Given that 1) as noted, marijuana is illegal under federal law; and 2) the OP was discussing use in the recent past (and appeared to be under the influence when he wrote the question), I think the “current use” provision applies. Handicapped parking spaces are required and regulated by federal law, and using them without appropriate documentation is a violation in all 50 states. [Thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=612270) As far as i know, all 50 states have laws against breaking the speed limit, disobeying traffic signals, making improper turns, and committing stop-sign violations. [Thread 1](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=611271) [Thread 2](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=575130) ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2011, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/15 "2011-06-21T01:51:35Z")
Wait–if it’s illegal under federal law, how can I walk down any number of streets in denver and see stores outright selling pot as “medical marijuana”? I mean, there are literally a couple hundred stores–not like back alley things either–these actually advertize, etc. If it’s illegal federally, why hasn’t the DEA gone bananas and arrested a couple thousand people in the Denver metro area? (I’m not being snarky–I’m honestly confused here.) ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2011, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/16 "2011-06-21T02:03:47Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > Wait–if it’s illegal under federal law, how can I walk down any number of streets in denver and see stores outright selling pot as “medical marijuana”? I mean, there are literally a couple hundred stores–not like back alley things either–these actually advertize, etc. > > If it’s illegal federally, why hasn’t the DEA gone bananas and arrested a couple thousand people in the Denver metro area? (I’m not being snarky–I’m honestly confused here.) That’s actually been a matter of some dispute between the Feds and states that have legalized medical marijuana. I’m no legal expert, and i don’t know exactly how the issue of authority breaks down, but it often seems like the main issue is exactly how “bananas” the Feds are prepared to get. It often seems to come down to a question of political priorities in Washington. ---
**Author:** ![samclem](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2011, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/17 "2011-06-21T02:30:31Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > Wait–if it’s illegal under federal law, how can I walk down any number of streets in denver and see stores outright selling pot as “medical marijuana”? I mean, there are literally a couple hundred stores–not like back alley things either–these actually advertize, etc. > > If it’s illegal federally, why hasn’t the DEA gone bananas and arrested a couple thousand people in the Denver metro area? (I’m not being snarky–I’m honestly confused here.) Without trying to sound unbelieving—you’re saying there are “a couple hundred stores” selling pot openly in Denver? ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2011, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/18 "2011-06-21T02:44:04Z")
> [@Fenris](#): > > Wait–if it’s illegal under federal law, how can I walk down any number of streets in denver and see stores outright selling pot as “medical marijuana”? I mean, there are literally a couple hundred stores–not like back alley things either–these actually advertize, etc. > > If it’s illegal federally, why hasn’t the DEA gone bananas and arrested a couple thousand people in the Denver metro area? (I’m not being snarky–I’m honestly confused here.) No cite handy, but I think Obama has instructed the Justice Department to de-prioritize enforcement in medical marijuana states for most, but not all, situations. I know there are a lot of stores in Colorado. Seems like some alternative paper out there ran an ad looking to hire a card holder to do a regular column reviewing the various products available a few months ago. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2011, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/19 "2011-06-21T03:24:21Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > Handicapped parking spaces are required and regulated by federal law, and using them without appropriate documentation is a violation in all 50 states. > > [Thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=612270) > > As far as i know, all 50 states have laws against breaking the speed limit, disobeying traffic signals, making improper turns, and committing stop-sign violations. > > [Thread 1](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=611271) > [Thread 2](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=575130) The “current use” provision I cited above only applies to drugs, not to discussion of other illegal activity. This said, we probably wouldn’t allow a thread on “Which major felonies do you regularly commit?”😉 ---
**Author:** ![levdrakon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2011, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204/20 "2011-06-21T03:32:08Z")
> [@samclem](#): > > Without trying to sound unbelieving—you’re saying there are “a couple hundred stores” selling pot openly in Denver? That’s very easy to believe. MMJ is booming right now. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lazy-after-dope-thread-re-legal-status-of-marijuana/586204.md?page=2)