Yes. There's absolutely no sane, scientific reasoning behind the criminalization of marijuana. Cigarettes and alcohol are far more damaging to health and welfare of our communities. Cramming our prisons with those convicted of marijuana offenses is unjustifiable. Regulate it, tax it and use the proceeds to fill our budget gaps in healthcare, education and infrastructure. It would be a boom to the small farmers and the state could begin industrial hemp production again.

Many, far more dangerous substances need to be monitored- not marijuana...thousands of young people's lives in this state have been destroyed by having a petty marijuana charge on their record..The police need to concentrate more on serious crime - like the 7 major ones that the FBI keeps tabs on....

I agree with both previous commentors. Doctors regularly prescribed far more dangerous and addictive substances for medical use. The entire west coast has had legalized marijuana for years, (Colorado even legalized recreational use back in the late 90's if I'm not mistaken) and just recently New Jersey has done the same. It's time we get caught up!

Yes it's time to get rid of this antiquated law. Time for a new legal, regulated industry to be created, money to be made, jobs to be created. There are far more dangerous legal substances out there.

Talk about a Budget solution !!!! Legalizing the sale of the marijuana would be a huge Tax revenue stream for the State. PA. would solve their pension issues with the teachers with the extra revenue generated by the sale of marijuana. Kevin Deely , the ex union teacher prez who got caught smoking pot at a teachers conference would be the perfect poster boy for this as campaign. New Slogan...Hug a teacher , SMOKE A DOOBIE !

Yes it should be legalized. And while we are at it we should get our Congress to legalize also.

The problem lies in the fact that for this to work we need responsibility and accountability instilled in individuals. This will not happen. The idea of being accountable for ones actions is completely foreign to both the young and middle aged of this country. People are no longer concerned with how their actions affect others and parents are not capable or unwilling to instill responsibility and self control in their children. The amount of excuses that used when someone screws up is unreal. When you add this to the mix it equals more wastes and useless people who will contribute nothing to the community and country.

yes, though the market currently provides income for the otherwise unemployed, the underculture of crime, gangs, and abuse that it enables is bad for society. Legalization doesn't mean no controls; like alcohol & guns, there are lots of things we do as individuals that are not good for us & those around us. For instance, marijuana use tends to limit our emotional intelligence, so employers should still be allowed to screen applicants for marijuana use and choose not to hire on that basis.

Add more drugs to the mix?..................making it legal doesn't solve anything but puts more potheads out there. Then when they commit a crime, they get a lesser sentence because they were "high" when they commited the crime so they're not really responsible for what they did! What kind of babies do these druggies produce? I remember the 60's and what happened to some of those dopers.......we don't need more drugs in this society, we need less! If you think this is the answer to getting more tax dollars, think again. It will create more problems then we have now and those extra tax dollars will be siphoned off all along the way.

Yes, decriminalize and regulate. Meanwhile LEO can fill the void, pursuing litterers, yahoos with illegal loud mufflers and other QOL infractions.

obama was a pothead...probably still is..

@Jackson- George W. Bush had a long history of problem drinking and is rumored to have had a history of smoking pot and using cocaine. What's your point?

no...if you think people are not motivated now...give them some weed. not a care in the world, until they need something to smoke. Statistics proove more crime happens where there is more previlant use of drugs...illegal or legal. As for medical maryjane... do we want fake medical pot clinics popping up all over the place like in San Fran, ? again people will be in a rush to do nothing. Certainly not work or pay taxes... Please the biggest scam since the other days vote about fiscal cliff.

@Joan- none of what you stated is scientific or defensible. In fact, our first attempt at prohibition demonstrated that making alcohol illegal actually created more problems than it solved which is why it was eventually repealed. What statistics are you siting? Can you provide a link?

Ben miller you think pot being illegal stops people from doing it? if you do you truly are mentally ill just because it ets legalized doesn't mean anything will change and the most the federal gov can do is kiss the states ass and ask to not legalize it it is completely the states decision otherwise most of the west coast would be arrested by now and the state representatives revived from power of legalizing it and before you try talking back at me I would think about how you would be talking back to a lawer

Legalize pot.... then let thousands die from car accidents. Then bury you head in another liberals ass and call for more gun laws. Ya, those assault rifles kill like a hundred people a year. Ban them... but don't forget home swimming pools... 500 kids die there each year, and another 1500 to 2000 suffer varying degrees of brain damage. But don't ban them....

You stupid stupid stupid liberals. The end of the country is near because you idiots reproduce faster than intelligent people who raise their own kids, and pay for them. The end of this country is upon us. Thanks to you idiot scum sucking liberals.

as a resident of Pennsylvania I do delcare we legalize it and if its posible eventually go to dc with this and legalize it in all of the US of A

Another reason not that well known in the northeast is the rise of synthetic pot sales in the southern convenience stores. This is harmless herbs that are sprayed with very toxic chemicals that mimic pot, but they are extreamly toxic. They are LEGAL & Philly people can buy it in the internet, but I live in Florida, where it's sold at most local convenience stores to teenagers. This stuff is not only poisen, but some of it has LSD intensity for about 15 minutes after smoking. Kids have convulsions, heart problems, kidney problems, etc. & they are just teens. Local law enforcement is always one step behind the changes in chemicals used & the chemicals get actually stronger & more toxic. Legalizing REAL POT. Which is harmless would put this insidious crap right out of business. I know what I'm talking about. I smoked it because it's legal. I had the sense to realize that it's poisen & stopped. We need legal pot NOW.

You have made it legal to be STUPID, why not, DOPES, they will be easy to control, Guess you never cared what the Weimar Rep. did in Germany. Keep the SHEEPLE> "SHEEPLE" most are knuckleheads. Now get on the bus,it will take you someplace safe, FEMA camp. enjoy, don't forget to shower. NO BLOOD FOR STONERS, my new motto. and keep your opine to yourself, I hate talking to the enlighted STONER who can't spell and has ALL the wisdom one needs,, give me a break losers.

Kind of pertinent and interesting. Thoughts?
http://www.businessinsider.com/portugal-drug-policy-decriminalization-works-2012-7

Legalize it - it is so not a dangerous plant. Very, very recently, a health professional in his sixties who I see twice a year for a checkup shared with me he recently visited Amsterdam. Being in serious pain due to a traffic accident five years ago that left both legs broken and a new hip needed, he visited a "coffee shop" where he chose a special brownie. He said he was climbing stairs and walking as if he were in his twenties and wished PA would legalize it. Listen to Bob Marley's "Legalize It" where he sings about "doctors smoke it, nurses smoke it, lawyers smoke it." It's everywhere already. There's nothing wrong with it. Alcohol and pain meds are so, so much worse.

He must be on it just for asking this. Normal smoking is no good for your health why would this be different . People dont need this to do stupid stuff it just comes natural to them. There is more important items to worry about.

I'm a liberal and I'm terrified of someday sharing a road with a driver who is high. I don't know why anyone is pretending that this is the same as smoking a cigarette - it causes altered perception probably faster and more dramatic than a few drinks. And how can cops cite a DUI for pot? I think this is a horrible idea.

It is legal for some American Indian tribes to use Pyote as a sacrament of their religion. They fought it out in the courts & won. People unfamiliar with psycodelics have no clue what it is like. It isn't like alcohol, or other addictive drugs. It is much more spiritual. The American Indians say that the white man goes into his church & communes with God, & worships God. The Indian goes into his tee pee & becomes one with God.

The only thing stopping congress from legalizing Pot is remembering were they put the Petitions,,,,,,,,,

Talk about morons that don't get it....like legalizing it will cause more accidents etc....the people that are using it would just bed legal to do so....a stupid law isn't going to change accident rates geniuses!!! I say legalize and collect the tax revenues!!! About time this rediculous law gets done away with!! And for the record, I'm not a user, never even tried it....just think this is a stupid law to waste our law inforcements time over.

Legalize it already. Enough with the baseless arguments from those much too ignorant to know the facts about weed.

I'm not a scientist, and granted I took this link from the Huffington Post, but this is what some of the benefits of marijuana that are just now becoming known. I temper that statement with the knowledge that more research needs to be done, but such research is made even more difficult with marijuana's classification by the government.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2012/09/19/marijuana-and-cancer_n_1898208.html

Legalize it... potheads are happy laid back mellow people.. if everyone in the world smoked a little pot it would be a peaceful place to live..

If pot is legal & sold like alchohol, in retail stores, it wouldn't force kids to be introduced to the underworld. If it is legal to just go into a store & buy it over the counter, people wouldn't escalate to other drugs as readily. There would by millions of jobs created in agriculture, shipping, storage, & retail. Not to mention the tax revenue. Obama has already said he won't persue federal regulations if states legalize it. Ron Paul, a republican is for federal legalization. It also would free law enforcement to go after real criminals & not make convicts out of people that just get high. People have mentioned driving. It isn't safe to drive under, but it is a lot safer than driving on alchohol.

ben miller show me a picture of where it says that gods given gift on this earth to us is illegal

Legalize it and leave my guns alone please!

the answer is in the constitution.................. hell yes!

It's bad enough having to walk into a mall or restaurant and having to be subject to the smell of cigarettes being smoked right outside the entrance door. If marijuana is to be legalized then there needs to be a state law that prohibits the smoking of it within 100 feet of any entrance/exit of a building accessed by the public. Better yet, make that 200 feet. Let's see Joe Emrick will make that happen if marrjuana is legalized.

I believe all drugs should be legalized. If alcohol is legal, then why not other substances? My position on this is somewhat reluctant but merited because:
#1. People, even kids, who want it can get it anyway.
#2. It would reduce, or even eliminate, the dangerous drug cartels.
#3. It would produce revenue for the government instead of criminals.
#4. It could, and should, be controlled in the same manner as other substances.
#5. Too many of our freedoms have already been removed without consent.
#6. Personal responsibility should be the priority whenever feasible.

Of course, some regulations are required because too many people are not capable of acting in a responsible/reasonable manner. Utilize the same restrictions levied on the use of other substances, such as alcohol and cigarettes; and prosecute those who do not comply. Community service, not jail, would be the result of violations. Criminal acts resulting from misuse would, of course, require jail sentences.

I was on the fence until I read the point regarding smoking in public places. I don't want to have to breath in that crap. I hate cigarette smoke also. I hugged my nephew good bye after a family get together and felt like I took a huge hit. He wreaked! I had the taste in my mouth the whole 1 1/2 hour car trip home. Do you all support smoking in public? I can not support that. When someone drinks at least I don't feel like I'm taking the shot with him.

I am talking about smoking pot in public.

I believe it should be available for those with medical conditions which can possibly be helped by it. It should be available with a doctor's prescription if the doctor believes it can help with conditions such as glaucoma, nausea from chemotherapy, and others, particularly if more conventional medications have failed or have unacceptable side effects, as one of the posters above described. Marijuana may also be less costly than conventional medications. The cynical part of me believes that may be one reason it remains illegal. If pharmaceutical companies can get the exclusive right to grow and market it, maybe things would change. PS: How's my spelling?

It is quite simple. The vast majority of the people who wish it legalized are weed heads who are probably part of the 47% getting government assistance.

That's interesting, the druggies that are now are criminals who feed off of society. Apparently you know criminals who "contribute to society". I've never heard of that.

Please feel free to list the names of teachers who are contributing criminals.

They have been prosecuted. Americans will also continue to prosecute weed smokers because they too are criminals.

You threw it out there, Patrick. Validate it. Give us the names of teachers who are under the influence of a controlled substance in the presence of our children. Name them? Name the judges, politicians, priests, etc. who are criminals who have contributed, as you call it. Name them?

Name them?

Just today while catching up on my email I read about an accident at Northampton Crossings and the person was high on marijuana and prescription drugs.

Just say NO!!!

does anybody even know Jesus Christ was baptized with cannabis oil. everybody's acting like its evil….

"The holy anointing oil, as described in the original Hebrew version of the recipe in Exodus, contained over six pounds of keneh-bosum – a substance identified by respected etymology, linguists anthropologists, botanists and other researchers as cannabis extracted into about six quarts of olive oil along with a variety of other fragrant herbs.

"The ancient annointed ones were literally drenched in this potent mixture."

Source- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/

Marijuana was used as medicine till the 1930's when it was put under the Prohibition laws. Liquor made its way out and they keep weed in the laws only because Pharmaceutical Companies didnt want to compete against it..

It's funny how most individuals who are against marijuana have no clue to the scientific facts about marijuana. It's not for everyone but If you're going to argue either for it or against it you need to look at the most current scientific data and nor ignore it.

Most people refer to the tests done in the 70s and 80s that were done to animals who breathed concentrated marijuana smoke, these animals were suffocated, so they died from not getting enough oxygen not from smoking marijuana, scientifically the data for that study was misused, and that is what most people base their opinion on, the maturity of the Internet and access to the Internet has brought forth the real facts on marijuana, that is why the general view in America is changing because the truth is coming out. Just like the truth about cigarette companies had finally come out that they have been putting additives to keep people addicted to cigarettes.

The only reason any of these states are legalizing marijuana is because they overspend and they can't find a way out of the mess they corrected. They will sell their soul to the devil to correct their overspending habits. It's a new easy way out for states and I'm sure it will have repercussions not far down the road. I think it's a bad idea.

My 2 Cents only this part is directed to your $ comment: I don't know if revenue is the only reason but since debt is a form of slavery or at best indentured servitude using pot to extricate from debt/slavery is not bad. Is it?
To others from the reading of comments these are some comments & questions I had: Every action has a reaction every choice has a consequence that is not a value judgment simply a fact. The placing of an intrinsic Value bad or good & anything in between on the event, circumstance or occurrence is where the conflicts rise. As each person has individual preferences & definitions for the value. Can you see it is merely a measurement of the same thing?
I had a friend years ago...late 70's early 80's that had small cell lung cancer & found that smoking marijuana helped the nausea from the chemical therapy or radiation I forget which he had...Would you consider this person a criminal? I did not. It was medicinal in his case at that time. If I remember correctly he did bring suit to the courts for the legal use of marijuana in the case of cancer patients. I am not 100% on that case.
I am at a loss because even during prohibition alcohol was sold for medicinal purposes, as someone pointed out to me. If that someone lied to me then I am lying to you: But that is why so many pharmacies had bars in them as the bars turned themselves into pharmacies or so I was told. Is this correct or not? I do not know but it was plausible to me!

This is the finish of my thoughts: I maybe misguided but I can not see the harm in people smoking pot. I just can’t. For the record I have never been a fan of pot so it would not affect me regarding my personal habits. But I have no problem minding my own business & allowing other people their medicine or recreation!
Finally, I do not agree that smoking pot leads to heroine use. It is possible that someone who shoots heroine did at one point smoke pot BUT the correlation is flawed. That would be to say Birds have 2 legs. Man has 2 legs. Therefore man can fly! This type of loic is flawed as you can see as the comparisons are misguided at best! Sadly, that is what some of these comments look like to me: fallacies of logic!
Thank you for allowing me this comment. finish of my thought:

revenue and taxes = greed
Alcohol & pot are drugs, mind altering drugs. I don't think either one should be legal. The pot is out there for those who choose to smoke it so let it be.

Have any of you people who are against pot ever smoked it? It's just not that big a deal. Not so big a deal that we should be spending so much money arresting people for it.

It's also an issue of racial equality. The per capita number of black and hispanic men in prison for pot far is far above that for white people, even though some studies have found that white college kids smoke more pot than anyone. It's time for a more logical approach.

The nice thing is that Washington and Colorado have legalized pot completely and are working on legal distribution channels. Provided the Federal government doesn't get in the way, why not wait and see what happens there. If it works there, maybe it could work here, too. If it doesn't, well, that could be another reason to continue with the current course, even though it's obviously not working.

Barbara You jumped to a conclusion & a value judgement about people working out their problems instead of smoking pot & putting your family in danger...What does medical use have to do with a person's problems as you judge them to be using for that reason...That was a huge jump & nothing indicated that it was valid or accurate...Can you see that???

This is your comment Barbara :Annointing one with oil is different than actually ingesting it! You can say all you want about scientific reports; if someone smokes pot and drives while under the influence I don't want any of my family members to be harmed. Why can't people learn to work out their problems instead of resorting to a mind-altering substance to put them in la-la land
Have you ever wittnessed the affects of chemo or radiation on a person? If pot helps them why not? Certainly abusive use or even perscribed use of pain killers coud impare a persons judgements.
When a person is at death's door LA LA land could be nice NO???

Weed is only dangerous because its illegal.... if the goverment regulates it there will be no need for the violence that surrounds the "trade"
As for a mind altering substance i'm sure there will be less accidents if people could just go home and toke up then going to a bar after work just sayin let the hippys be happy and the rest of the haters hate maabey there will be more peace when people dont have to hide who they really are!
21 to smoke regulating in stores with taxes
Less violence and death cuz people can smoke rather than drink
And its NATURAL if the goverment can make sure that's what their stores are selling heck ya sign me up! I'd probally save more moneg in the long run cuz there is no need to drink!
Think positive there is always a negitive to everything ciggarettes have rat poision in it but kids in high school can by them and its easier for younger kids to obtain them. Why cuz its legal after 18 and the goverment makes a dime every year in taxes.
Long live the pot heads! Alcohal and ciggarettes will kill ya faster anways.

Love from a functioning pot head who has a wonderful job health insurence and fellow tax payer :)

Of course Marijuana should be legalized. But theres one thing standing in the way. That big bloated crooked scumbag TOM CORBETT. Tel me what PIG politician would do if one of his children came down with cancer and puked constantly because of the chemo. His big bloated crooked ass would be in some back alley buying some canabis to end his childs suffering and build there apetite so they would feel better and keep there weight up and possibly survive. AND JEEPERS. ur pretty STUPID

Clearly to legalize marijuana is a plot hatched or promoted by pro labor union interests --after all it might create thousands of new employment opportunities in state sales stores and new enforcement police and rehab specialists and it would probably add to the need for teachers and counselors in public schools

If Corbett doesn't pass this there will statistically be 42-58% less Pennsylvanians, moving to were we ca. Have an Amendment of our constitution that should've been illegal to do so in the first place.

Absolutely yes. It would save Pennsylvania millions of dollars in the long run to legalize marijuana. I'm not going to bother reiterating all of the excellent points made above, but the evidence is overwhelming... and I cannot find a downside that justifies keeping the plant illegal. Should it be used while driving? Of course not. But keep in mind: Alcohol is much more intoxicating and destructive—and it's completely legal.

Legalizing it will make it harder for teenagers to get. When I was young I could get weed in a few minutes but would have to wait hours for someone to buy me beer or cigarettes. Also legalizing it would prevent people from using hard drugs. People can't smoke weed because it stays in system for a long time so they use hard drugs that are out of system in a few days.