The Casone Exchange
  • October 23, 2009 01:25 PM EDT by Cheryl Casone

    High Noon on Fox Business

    As this country faces a fiscal disaster, we have had one of the most interesting ideas for a solution this week on Fox Business.  If you've been watching, we just wrapped our special series "High Noon": a look at the world of medical marijuana.  Both sides were represented in the debate.  We spoke with doctors, politicians, advocates, and patients. 

    As I look back on the coverage, I have formed opinions on the topic, and they are probably as controversial as the issue itself.  Should we legalize medical marijuana? I believe we should, but I also think it should be left to the states, and the federal government should stay out.

    Should we legalize marijuana in general? Actually, I also think yes.  I have seen what the Mexican drug wars have done to my home state of Arizona, along with California and Texas (my other home.)  If we were to legalize medical marijuana it would take the criminal element out of distribution.  I heard Dr. Marc Seigal Friday say it harms our bodies worse than smoking cigarettes. But look at the damage that legalized substances such as alcohol or prescription medicines do?  What is the difference between getting a prescription for marijuana to help you sleep versus getting a script for Ambien?

    Again, I don't smoke the stuff, but I listen to those that do to ease pain, and I don't have a problem with what they choose to do.  In fact, marijuana is a plant that grows naturally.  I've been trying to eat healthier foods and choose organic items.  Is there that much of a difference between my choices and the choices of those who want to smoke a joint?

    Then there is the tax revenue question.  The California marijuana business is valued a 17 billion dollars annually.  That's a lot of tax revenue for a state that still has serious budget .  They already tax medical marijuana sales at 9.75%.

    CC

anderson

Comparing marijuana to fresh food because it grows naturally is a stretch. I suppose heroin is ok beacause it comes from poppies? I don't like any laws that are supposedly created to protect idiots from themselves, pot laws are a good example. So if we are going to repeal stupid legislation let us get started, there are plenty to get rid of. But let's not pretend dope smoking iS good for anyone.

October 28, 2009 at 2:13 pm

JJ Cummins

Please tell your fellow commentators that Nevada is spoken with a short A like the a in at. Thank you.

October 27, 2009 at 12:28 pm

John Anderson

Some of the marijuana revenue could be used to fight the truly destructive drugs. Cocaine, heroin, crack, meth., to name a few. Time to take the blinders off and learn from prohibition.

October 26, 2009 at 6:16 pm

TheBobFather

Cheryl, I smoked pot in college in the 70's as most my generation did. I quit while I was trying for the golden ring during the 80's & 90's, if while @ a party and it was present, yes I would partake. I always thought it should be legal, but it wasn't politically correct to think that. Now that I'm semi-retired thanks to this economy. I've lost my Med. Insurance and needing pain meds. for a back surgery I had in the 80's, I had no choice but to get my Med. card for Med. pot. It has saved me

October 25, 2009 at 10:55 pm

Brian Kerr

I agree with the full legalization of Cannabis. I am a LEAP member and a NORML member. I donate money too these two organizations. If you have any interest in ending prohibition and the regulation and control of drugs. It would be nice if you could do a story about LEAP. www.leap.cc

October 25, 2009 at 3:27 pm

barry barton

as a person living the end of my days the little med i get is why i get up everyday

October 25, 2009 at 11:17 am

Steve Leser

Hi Cheryl. Like you,I've never touched the stuff, although Tobin Smith jokes with me about it everytime I've been on Bulls and Bears. I think we should legalize it, tax it, and use it to fund Health Care Reform. Then we could do away with the Cadillac Health Care Plan tax and some of the other proposed taxes.

October 25, 2009 at 12:03 am

Brent In KY

Its nice to see someone outside the issue, or shoudl I say a Non-user, that sees reason and truth over the fear and miss information the prohibitionest side chooses to peddle! The fact is that marijuana out of all drugs or intaoxicants is by far the safest, does no harm to cells and is in itself non toxic! Asprin kills 500 people at least a year, alcohol kills 100,000+ and tobacco 400,000+ a year. Marijuan has killed no one, in the history of man! End the Failed Drug War!

October 24, 2009 at 9:49 pm

MYOMY

As with you I have lived in Tucson, AZ for 23 years. Drug/Gang related crime in this area is totally out of control. They are indoctronating 14 & 15 yr. olds as hit men for the gangs, ( cold blooded little killers ). It is so bad my wife and I and many of our friends of all ages and sex have gotten their State certified Concealed Carry Permits. None of us leave the house without being able to protect ourselves. I agree with you about the legalization.

October 24, 2009 at 9:40 pm

James Stacy

If you look at the history of Cannabis you will see that it truely is a gift from God. It helps a lot of people who are sick and it can be used as a natural resource. It can be used to make paper, rope, canvis and fuel. Maybe that's why it is still illigal. The federal government has been suppling medical marijuana for 30 years but don't want to talk about it. When you look at the studies you see that Marijuana is the most useful and helpful plant we have. Please stop the proabition.

October 23, 2009 at 8:13 pm

serenden

Thank you for this segment, no one is really paying attention to cannabis. there are more important things in our world, but cannabis could help to answer some problems that we face. legalizing would; stop spending on the horrific failure that is the "war on drugs", relieve space in our overcrowded prison systems for actual criminals, save taxpayer money for the more important problems, generate revenue, decrease crime rates, and decrease drug cartel power among a host of other positives.

October 23, 2009 at 5:34 pm

Marcus

Um... about time we decrimilize or legalize marijuana not only for medical reasons, recreation/industrial reasons. I won't sit here and say I don't ever use marijuana... hell yes I do. It isn't like alcohol. After one "toke" or smoke, I can still function but just feel relaxed... no hangover or headache. Oh, by the way, I am a professional American, with a job, and I didn't vote for Obama either. I might be your neighbor... and I believe in God. I also enjoy a beer sometimes.

October 23, 2009 at 5:05 pm

randall

Amen to that

October 23, 2009 at 3:53 pm

George

This has been a very informative week regarding the subject of cannabis and I, as you, would like to have cannabis taxed and regulated. Legalization may lead to the end of a low market.

October 23, 2009 at 3:30 pm

about this blog

  • Cheryl Casone joined FOX Business Network (FBN) in September 2007 as an anchor. Prior to FBN, Casone served as a correspondent for FOX News Channel’s (FNC) business unit and was a regular guest on FNC’s Your World with Neil Cavuto. Casone brings years of experience covering finance, business, and consumer news to FBN.

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