If tobacco were discovered today, would it become legal to smoke?

12bass · #1 07-30-2008, 06:38 AM

If tobacco were discovered today, would it become legal to smoke it?

My hunch is that tobacco is still around largely because it has been "grandfathered" into common acceptance, but that if it were discovered today, it would likely be banned in many countries, like any other carcinogen.

Phalex · #2 07-30-2008, 06:48 AM

People like to do it: Therefore it would be illegal.

Visirale · #3 07-30-2008, 06:53 AM

But, it wasn't.

Tobacco has a long history. the USA would be very different without it.

Phalex · #4 07-30-2008, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Visirale

But, it wasn't.

Tobacco has a long history. the USA would be very different without it.

Very true, Tobacco and Indigo played a pivotal role in the exploitation of the new world.

mjolnir · #5 07-30-2008, 07:21 AM

Speaking hypothetically, yes it would probably be illegal. And the number of young people smoking it would be a LOT higher.

bradjonesbass · #6 07-30-2008, 07:25 AM

the very basis for the initial question is the problem. why do we look to government to tell us whether we can use a product or not? why not look inside yourself? why not trust people to make their own decisions and live and/or die with the consequences?

Barkless Dog · #7 07-30-2008, 07:58 AM

Yes it would.

12bass · #8 07-30-2008, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradjonesbass

the very basis for the initial question is the problem. why do we look to government to tell us whether we can use a product or not? why not look inside yourself? why not trust people to make their own decisions and live and/or die with the consequences?

That's an interesting question, no doubt. However, answering such a question would take us far, far away from the original issue under discussion.....

illidian · #9 07-30-2008, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradjonesbass

the very basis for the initial question is the problem. why do we look to government to tell us whether we can use a product or not? why not look inside yourself? why not trust people to make their own decisions and live and/or die with the consequences?

I like this approach.

But if I had to answer the original question, I'd guess yes.

bradjonesbass · #10 07-30-2008, 08:18 AM

you asked would it be made legal. you should have asked would it be made illegal. those are two VERY different questions. Until it is made illegal, it is already legal.

12bass · #11 07-30-2008, 08:25 AM

Okay...... would it become illegal? And, if so, would it be for good reason?

bradjonesbass · #12 07-30-2008, 08:27 AM

It would probably be made illegal right away given today's political climate, as opposed to the political climate of 520 years ago.

davetakis · #13 07-30-2008, 08:39 AM

i am reading this book, oddly enough. really fascinating:

http://www.amazon.com/Tobacco-Cultur...7428700&sr=1-1

jomahu · #14 07-30-2008, 08:41 AM

if it made more money being illegal, then no.

**Eric Perry** · #15 07-30-2008, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Visirale

But, it wasn't.

Tobacco has a long history. the USA would be very different without it.

As does Ecstasy and cocaine, both in very legal capacities.

Deluge Of Sound · #16 07-30-2008, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric618

As does Ecstasy and cocaine, both in very legal capacities.

I think your definition of "long" is a little suspect, with regards to the history of the USA. Tobacco comes far before cocaine (in the form we know it now) and aeons before ecstasy.

jomahu · #17 07-30-2008, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric618

As does Ecstasy and cocaine, both in very legal capacities.

as well as heroin. and marijuana, to a certain extent...

bradjonesbass · #18 07-30-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomahu

if it made more money being illegal, then no.

There's the primary reason decriminalization of drugs is never seriously discussed by our "leaders"

They seize more assets which are all 100% profit for the seizing authority. Sell the goods, instantly use the cash, put the drugs back on the street (what? you don't think that happens?) and start all over again.

**Eric Perry** · #19 07-30-2008, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jomahu

as well as heroin. and marijuana, to a certain extent...

'Tis true.

jomahu · #20 07-30-2008, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradjonesbass

There's the primary reason decriminalization of drugs is never seriously discussed by our "leaders"

They seize more assets which are all 100% profit for the seizing authority. Sell the goods, instantly use the cash, put the drugs back on the street (what? you don't think that happens?) and start all over again.

and the prison industry stays in the black...uh..you know what i mean...