Minnesota to start database of people taking painkillers
posted at 3:35 pm on January 6, 2010 by Ed Morrissey
Good news here in Minnesota — the state will now know when any of us get prescribed Vicodin, Oxycontin, or any other potentially addictive medicines. Minnesota will require pharmacies to report every customer who fills such a prescription to the Minnesota Prescription Monitoring Program, starting next Monday. The state says this will allow doctors to know whether their patients are abusing prescription medication by seeing more than one doctor, but they won’t be the only ones:
Starting this week, Minnesota residents who fill prescriptions for addictive drugs like Vicodin and OxyContin are going into a new state database.
The aim is to stop drug abusers and dealers from shopping around for prescriptions.
Pharmacies were required to start reporting to the Minnesota Prescription Monitoring Program on Monday. By March, doctors, dentists and pharmacists can use the system to identify patients who get too many habit-forming medicines.
So the state will have a list of everyone who has prescribed painkillers. What could possibly go wrong? Well, just practically speaking, it’s liable to result in a lot of false positives, as many people share the same or similar names. What happens when Carl Johnson, needs Vicodin for a back injury and gets confused with another Carl Johnson at the same pharmacy, or a Karl Johnson, or a Carl Johnsen? People with legitimate need of painkillers who have never abused will have to fight through red tape to get the medicine they need.
Of course, there are other concerns as well. The control of such substances belongs to pharmacies, but the prescription process is a private transaction. Why should the state involve itself in that transaction at all? Some people will abuse, but they comprise a tiny fraction of the hundreds of thousands of people who take medicine responsibly. This penalizes everyone, and invades the privacy of law-abiding citizens, in a nanny-state attempt to protect a few people from themselves.
It’s not hard to imagine where this might lead. After all, when the state has access to personal information, it rarely misses a chance to use it. The next time a traffic fatality occurs because the driver was on pain meds — legally or not — demand will arise for the state to do something to prevent the next death. It won’t take much to marry this database to the DMV, and for the state to start asking questions about licensing people on pain meds. In fact, some here in Minnesota may see that as a feature instead of a bug.
People have a responsibility to themselves for their actions regarding pain medications. A free people do not need the state to start keeping Big Brother prescription databases on their citizens, invading the most personal aspects of our lives while telling us it’s for our own good. A free person can make that determination on their own. This is a bad idea — and a taste of what to expect when government gains more and more control over the health care system.
Blowback
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After reading these comments, I feel the need to take a painkiller. Bourbon and branch, please.
There will never be an end to the increasing demands of the nanny state. But but but, those evil smokers, fatties, scrip users, non seat belt wearers just cannot regulate their own behavior — here comes the government savior.
Libertarians DON’T rule.
GnuBreed on January 6, 2010 at 4:27 PM
Yep. If you need a medication with that ‘special’ ingredient, you have to check in with the pharmacist, who has to take your license info~
If you are unfortunate enough to NEED said medication when the pharmacy is close, too bad for you. Because of a bunch of tweekers, you can’t get your medicine.
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 4:28 PM
You don’t have to love Obama to be a statist, as you have just proven. Any differing opinion is a “tweeker”, which just demostrates your inability to think beyond the playground insult. Keep digging Einstein.
SirGawain on January 6, 2010 at 4:30 PM
Don’t give me that “Have to show ID” stuff. The Cops can’t even ask illegals if they are illegal!
You think Jose Sanchez is going to have to show ID to fill a Pain Med? HAHAHAHAH!
GunRunner on January 6, 2010 at 4:30 PM
Anecdotal evidence I realize but having been subjected to almost 30 years of people mistaking me for another guy with the same name I’d say chances are close to 110% that there will be a lot of mistakes made. I was admitted to a hospital once in an emergency situation and they managed to pull up the other guys records and put his wrist band on me. My wife caught it as they were wheeling me down the hall. The other guy died a couple of years ago and when I went in for a routine check up my Dr. was very surprised to see me since they had seen the obituary and had already marked my chart ‘Deceased’.
Oldnuke on January 6, 2010 at 4:31 PM
This is the same kind of mindset that wants to keep guns out of the hands of law-abiding people because some abuse guns.
And don’t be misled. This is not about concern for anyone’s safety. It is about control.
Marxist statism.
davidk on January 6, 2010 at 4:31 PM
Yes, I am a statist. I want to keep drugs like cocaine, meth, heroin, speed, etc. out of the hands of children.
Do you even KNOW what statist means or is that just the word of the day at the home?
Keep f*cking that chicken, baby.
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 4:32 PM
And it’s really sad when you see so-called “conservatives” cheering it on, even on this site.
SirGawain on January 6, 2010 at 4:33 PM
Who’s cheering it on?
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 4:34 PM
Interesting that you think these processes and laws somehow keep drugs out of the hands of children. Does that mean children all over are lighting up cigarettes and boozing because those substances are illegal?
This really is going to be too easy. You should quit now before further embarrassment.
SirGawain on January 6, 2010 at 4:35 PM
That works on multiple levels, unfortunately the most accurate being that they’re unlikely to ever have a significant presence in elected offices.
I don’t put the full blame on them. I mean, I doubt they were ever subtle about their purchases in the first place. This kind of surveillance never seemed necessary to me.
And to you, anyone with a different opinion is a statist, so get off your high horse. Your debate tactics aren’t exactly winning hearts and minds over here.
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 4:36 PM
I know, let’s have the DHS monitor the whole thing!
PattyJ on January 6, 2010 at 4:36 PM
Correction: Does that mean children all over are lighting up cigarettes and boozing because those substances are legal?
SirGawain on January 6, 2010 at 4:36 PM
What makes you think they weren’t? I was.
MarkTheGreat on January 6, 2010 at 4:36 PM
Really? Where did I say that? And who are you to think you represent more than yourself on this site? Your “appeal to the crowd” logical fallacy is cute!
SirGawain on January 6, 2010 at 4:37 PM
As others note, this is already being done in many states, and it’s not just names, but d.o.b., address, and so forth that has to match up. It’s not just about what drugs individuals take, its also about using multiple prescriptions to deal drugs, and to the extent that these drugs get sold to minors, it’s a concern.
That being said, as a matter of priorities, while the state is setting up databases, I wonder if a reliable database of Visa expiration dates exists (and if so if it’s monitored), and if there’s a database of missing Somalis in Minneapolis.
Buy Danish on January 6, 2010 at 4:38 PM
I agree, you are a statist. You want to use the power of the state to acheive a goal that is none of the state’s business. If you want to keep drugs out of the hands of children, go talk to their parents. Don’t make it harder, or even impossible for adults to buy the drugs of their choice. The fact that you seem to think you have a right to decide how other people live their lives is what makes you a statist.
MarkTheGreat on January 6, 2010 at 4:39 PM
I’m guessing you meant not illegal, but I don’t want to assume.
Either way, the fact that booze and cigarettes are legal for a large portion of the population does make them easier to get a hold of for people too young to buy them. Most teenagers know at least someone who can and will buy them cigarettes, but the same can’t be said for people looking for something illegal.
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 4:39 PM
There are just as many right wing statists as there are left wing statists.
They both want to use the power of govt to make sure that nobody does anything they disapprove of. The only difference are what they disapprove of.
MarkTheGreat on January 6, 2010 at 4:40 PM
Excuse me? Where did you get the idea that I AGREED with this stupidity coming from the land of Franken? Did you even read my past posts?
Or, are you just going by the GURU of Statisms stupid posts accusing me of such?
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 4:42 PM
amerpundit, it’s also possible that some people finally reached a threshold, or awakening regarding the dangers of govt intervention sometime between the passing of the Meth bill and the current one.
MarkTheGreat on January 6, 2010 at 4:43 PM
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 4:42 PM
I’m basing my statements on your recorded support for the war on some drugs.
MarkTheGreat on January 6, 2010 at 4:44 PM
How many teenagers have you talked to recently? Seriously. If this is your position, so be it, but I’d love to see some evidence to back up your assertion.
SirGawain on January 6, 2010 at 4:45 PM
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 4:36 PM
Anyone who wants to use the power of the state to control the lives of someone else, is a statist.
MarkTheGreat on January 6, 2010 at 4:45 PM
What DRUGS are we talking about, junior?
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 4:45 PM
Where did you say that you view all who disagree with you as statists? Is that a serious question or are you just high and f-ing with me? Cause I don’t see where Hornet said that she views all who disagree with her as tweekers.
What is she held to a different standard cause she insulted you or something?
Also, I never once said I speak for everyone. I very clearly don’t, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a few people come up and agree with me on that very limited point.
My only point, which was not the “appeal to everyone fallacy” (seriously, did you just get out of debate class in school?), was that you were whining about Hornet’s lack of an argument while demonstrating your own. I didn’t think I’d have to spell it out this much.
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 4:46 PM
You are kidding here, right? If I truly wanted to obtain an illegal substance, the first person I would talk to would be a teenager. Of course they would not trust this old fogy, but that is a separate topic.
GnuBreed on January 6, 2010 at 4:46 PM
That’s a bad example to choose since people on strong pain meds should not operate machinery, especially not drive on public roads.
maverick muse on January 6, 2010 at 4:47 PM
So, let them ALL have heroin. YOUR kids first, tweeker.
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 4:48 PM
And the day after this goes into effect, the lawsuits get filed for invasion of privacy!
patriotparty1 on January 6, 2010 at 4:48 PM
Unfortunately, that’s what I understand to be the situation these days.
maverick muse on January 6, 2010 at 4:48 PM
Are you kidding me? How many drug dealers do you know? And do they never run out of drugs? Are they never out of town or busy or in jail?
Cause gas stations and liquor stores are always full, and there are always people right there willing to buy you something if you ask. And that’s just for underage people who don’t have a fake ID or know someone willing to buy alcohol or cigarettes. And I don’t just know this because I know kids. I did it myself. Heck, I still look to young to drink (I even got carded in London), and I know I could still do it today.
But don’t do this BS of asking me how many teenagers I know if what you really want is evidence. How will my experience with teens prove a thing to you? And what exactly will you accept as evidence?
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 4:50 PM
HorneySpring seems to know a lot about drugs and tweekers and stuff.
davidk on January 6, 2010 at 4:51 PM
Gnu, we WORK hard to keep illegal substances out of their hands, but yes, as it was when I was in school, if you want it and have the money, you can get it.
I’m not debating that~what I am debating is making all of it legal, just because we can’t control it.
There are agents on the border right now that are working hard, getting rocks thrown at them, getting shot at and having bounties put on their heads for trying to keep the hard stuff out.
This crap in MN is just stupid.
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 4:53 PM
Radley Balko is gonna be pissed.
liquidflorian on January 6, 2010 at 4:53 PM
I’m just quoting you because I don’t have to really add anything for a rebuttal.
SirGawain on January 6, 2010 at 4:53 PM
Don’t feel too bad, Ma’am. I got carded in Alamogordo when buying some hard lemonade. I’m 59.
davidk on January 6, 2010 at 4:53 PM
One NEEDS painkillers to live in Al Franken’s Minnesota.
happy2behere on January 6, 2010 at 4:54 PM
You’d just go up to a random 14-year-old? Cause impressions aside, most don’t light up until college. Your hit to miss ratio would be high enough to get the cops called on you for messing with teens.
The first people you should ask are waiters. They’re paid in cash and don’t get drug tested.
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 4:55 PM
Drug abusers aren’t enacting the regulations, the state of Minnesota is.
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 4:56 PM
MarkTheGreat on January 6, 2010 at 4:45 PM
On those terms, painting everything exclusively with a broad, simplistic brush would seem statist in turn.
I prefer adherence to the Constitution which has stipulations, but is not a Marxist tool.
maverick muse on January 6, 2010 at 4:56 PM
I’m with HornetSting on this one. It’s not just about the drug issue, but there is a new breed of “conservatives/libertarians” who are taking the anti-Statist platform to a ridiculous extreme.
Recently there was some jackass in a headlines thread asserting that anyone who gets a check from the government, including policemen, should be deprived of their right to vote (and if you disagree – you’re a Statist).
Buy Danish on January 6, 2010 at 4:56 PM
So, let’s hear what YOUR plan is….
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 4:56 PM
I asked you how many teenagers you know because your assertion is so ridiculous. As for evidence, perhaps some published studies? That’s where people usually start. You made the assertion. You figure out how to defend it.
Since I just graduated Debate 101, it shouldn’t be too hard to shut me up.
SirGawain on January 6, 2010 at 4:57 PM
Dang. That does make me feel a little better. I just want to stop looking like a kid before I hit my 30s, but I’m running out of time.
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 4:57 PM
Another idiot heard from~no sh*t, Sherlock.
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 4:57 PM
Cigarettes are even better~I wish it was because of my youthful looks, but I figure it is an education problem with the clerk. Reasoning skills….
And DavidK, what the hell are you doing drinking hard lemonade.
And calling my HorneySpring~have you started drinking already?
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 4:59 PM
Hey, perhaps that would’ve been a better first post from you instead of multiple layers of insults before typing something of value. But you’ve already established that I’m a “tweeker”, so tell me why I should now cast my pearls before swine and engage in a debate of ideas.
SirGawain on January 6, 2010 at 5:01 PM
GirGawain,
There’s a healthy cadre of statists here on HotAir that like to believe they are conservative. In fact, they are reactionaries, not conservatives. They invariably side with those who want more government intrusion in people’s lives and they worship the police. They like to say that they are “Law & Order conservatives”, but they are clearly more interested in an ordered society than one governed by laws.
When you try to argue principled positions with them , they resort to ad hominum and insult, as you experienced with the “tweeker” dig.
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 5:03 PM
There are 17 Minh Nguyens with telephone listings in Minneapolis alone. This is just one name, one city. There will be mistakes made.
Another possibility is that the data or portions of the data will be published. Just like Permit to Carry lists have been published in several States.
A third possiblity is that the data will be hacked or otherwise stolen. Giving away peoples medical histories, date of birth, address, and possibly social security numbers.
The possible good it will do is keep a few people from getting multiple prescriptions of narcotics.
jpmn on January 6, 2010 at 5:03 PM
ou know what, just piss off. I think it will be better for everyone.
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 5:03 PM
I’m in my 60s, my hair is graying and my beard is almost white. I get carded every time I buy beer at a local grocery store. I just smile and say “Why thank you” as I show my DL. Of course this store’s policy is to card everyone who buys alcohol no exceptions.
Oldnuke on January 6, 2010 at 5:03 PM
I didn’t say that I didn’t know how do defend it. I merely asked what you’d accept. Is the difference lost on you or is it alright for me to leave this one without completely spelling it out?
No, you know just enough to assume you know everything and that everyone else is an idiot statist who you can yell down, so I don’t think it’s at all possible to shut you up.
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 5:04 PM
Surely you’re just paranoid. Oh wait…:
Barnestormer on January 6, 2010 at 5:04 PM
And if alcohol were illegal, they would be getting shot over beer just like in Capone’s day. Understanding supply and demand and the black market isn’t that complicated.
SirGawain on January 6, 2010 at 5:04 PM
Excellent point. Kids hear of a book by title in a promotion, and pat themselves on the back for imagining what’s in the book, public educators included in that illiterate slam, failing to research and read anything beyond their prefabricated Fascist lesson plan. I’m reminded of the young hoodlums Lord Monckton correctly compared to Nazi Youth for their rude and uncivilized antics. Juvenile delinquency doesn’t expire when these illiterates age; they remain ignorant and stupid burdens.
maverick muse on January 6, 2010 at 5:05 PM
Well a statist does like to speak for everyone…
SirGawain on January 6, 2010 at 5:07 PM
You make some broad assumptions, but back to that assertion you stated…
SirGawain on January 6, 2010 at 5:09 PM
Do you really not recognize your own actions here? You did exactly that, and now you want me to prove my point. How are you any different?
I tend to get carded when no one else does (sometimes, I’m the reason everyone else gets carded). I’m slightly older than my husband (6 months) and almost two years older than my brother, but when we were in London and in Dublin, I was carded and they weren’t.
In Dublin, I was visibly shocked and took my time getting out my passport, and my brother laughed and explained the situation to the bartender who just looked sternly at me, waiting. When he finally saw my ID, he had an audible gasp that made me feel a little old.
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 5:11 PM
You were trying to be sarcastic, right?
While I’m certain that most teenagers don’t abuse illegal drugs, I’m equally certain that most teenagers are at most two degrees of separation removed from a drug user that can connect them to someone dealing.
Kids sold drugs at my high school in the early 1970s and they do it today.
It actually may be easier for the average teenager to buy illegal drugs than to purchase alcohol and tobacco. Prohibition doesn’t work in the long run. When there is a blanket prohibition, as opposed to legally regulated sales, one has no control at all. African countries that have licensed elephant hunting have fewer problems with poachers than the countries that have completely outlawed such hunting.
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 5:12 PM
No more than you do. And my assertion is nothing but common sense. If I was at all convinced you could be reasoned with, I’d waste my time finding your evidence, but you wouldn’t even tell me what evidence would convince you I was correct.
You know, pearls to swines and all that…
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 5:14 PM
Even if they don’t track people that could become potential drug abusers, this would be such a great tool to put people at the top of the list for rationed care and end of life counseling.
mizflame98 on January 6, 2010 at 5:17 PM
Actually, the prohibition against heroin means that many people are deprived of effective pain medication, including children. MDs who specialize in pain treatment say that their patients suffer because of how the DEA controls potentially addictive drugs and a number of doctors have been needlessly harassed by the drug enforcement industry.
I’d rather have physicians and pharmacists controlling drugs than police.
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 5:19 PM
SirGawain on January 6, 2010 at 5:04 PM
Deceit isn’t that complicated. You can’t refrain from cutting corners even when it means utter destruction, having taken another’s identity that you have no desire to measure up to, projecting your own foolish corruption as the better “smarter” wise guy ending. Your green girdle’s stuck where the sun don’t shine.
maverick muse on January 6, 2010 at 5:22 PM
Not at all. Kids get arrested for bringing Tylenol to school. That didn’t happen back in your day. Drugs deals still happen at schools, but they’re not worth the risk, and most kids know that.
So even the stupid ones aren’t just handing out drugs to random kids they’ve never met. So sure, certain kids will know all about how to get drugs, and maybe so other kids will know kids who know them, but the drugs kids aren’t exactly Kevin Bacon.
Look, it’s very simple. All you need to get alcohol, is to park yourself near a liquor store and wait. To get drugs, you actually have to know someone.
How about this, we both go to a random city neither of us have visited before. I’ll go without my ID and try to buy alcohol, and you go and try to get me pot. We’ll meet up later that night and see which of us is getting inebriated.
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 5:22 PM
Thanks for proving my point about resorting to insult and ad hominem.
Perhaps you really do have the intellectual capacity to engage in adult discussion and debate. So far, though, there’s little evidence here of that capacity.
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 5:23 PM
I have 2 high school students and a young adult. They all have numerous friends who regularly smoke pot. It’s as easy to get as alcohol for them.
A recent drug sweep at their high school resulted in 75 arrests for possession.
As for Big Brother keeping a list of pain medication people, they’ve been doing this for years for decongestants like ClaritinD, MusinexD, etc. You have to get them from the pharmacist, show an ID, and you’re limited to 30 pills per month, not all at the same time. And since people under 19 can’t purchase them, and you can only purchase a limited amount, good luck if you have more than one person in your household that has allergies.
Because we all know allergy sufferers have meth labs in the basement.
Common Sense on January 6, 2010 at 5:23 PM
You can keep posting, but every on this site knows who you are and what you are.
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 5:24 PM
You say it like it’s either or and those are the only two options.
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 5:24 PM
Apples and oranges…….heroin and morphine.
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 5:26 PM
There’s already a constitutionally sound precedent of the Hatch Act, which restricts political activity by federal employees. If First Amendment rights of public employees can be restricted, I don’t see why they can’t be disenfranchised.
Our current system, where public employees have enough political power to make their jobs sinecures, is untenable. Allowing public employees to have political power is deeply corrosive to democracy.
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 5:28 PM
At least you’re not claiming it’s harder, because that’s the argument I usually hear.
However, the fact that they told you this, suggests that your children are not typical students, and it doesn’t take away from my point about having to know someone who will sell to them. You mentioned arrests. I imagine that made it harder, at least temporarily, for students there to get pot.
Or just compare dealing with a dealer to dealing with a store. Stores have regular hours and regular stock. Dealers don’t.
Besides, you mention pot, but what about harder drugs? Not all dealers sell everything.
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 5:31 PM
I’d rather that government remain restricted to keep out of my health care and my medical records. Without further adieu, physicians and pharmacists already are the distributors of prescriptions. And already, law enforcement IS in on enforcing laws which only “protect” privacy so long as everyone with access to records is not corrupt. But there’s always the weakest link everywhere, the abusive government employee somewhere. On a personal scale, recall what happened to “Joe the Plumber” for instance. And it only took one transfer of power from Bush to Obama to absolutely and totally prove the DHS an unconstitutional nightmare we eschew, persecuting and falsely prosecuting honorable American citizens while enabling full fledged terrorism against the USA.
maverick muse on January 6, 2010 at 5:33 PM
Actually they are both derivatives of opium. I have great respect for your commentary here — you are funny and incisive. Somehow, though, this topic has pushed your ‘hot button.’
Next, please.
GnuBreed on January 6, 2010 at 5:36 PM
Well, right now, as a society we are only using one option, the police.
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 5:39 PM
Yeah, I know that….maybe I should have been more clear, Gnu.
Black Tar Heroin from a Mexican Cartel and Morphine from a US Drug Maker.
Is that better?
Now, about that hot button…..
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 5:40 PM
Where do YOU get your morphine, rokem…nevermind, I don’t wnat to know.
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 5:41 PM
And drug dealers and doctors and pharmacists…
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 5:43 PM
Familiar with the term “projection”?
Unlike anonymous cowards taking potshots, I don’t hide my identity online.
It’s unfortunate that you are a bitter, small person, who is so insecure about yourself that you must lash out with insult and invective, but I suppose it takes all kinds. Still it must suck to be around you if you act like this in real life. Hopefully you don’t have children and if you do, I pray that they have a healthier role mode than yourself.
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 5:46 PM
What child requires heroin from their doctor?
MDs specializing in pain treatment say that the DEA makes their patients suffer? It’s the doctors who know that perpetuating a prescription will cause addictions as painful to endure as any health crisis, addiction aiding complications instead of resolutions to recovery of good health. I know that cancer is hell and cancer patients have a horrible time, and am not addressing their pain with the following statement. Avoid sounding like a drug addict, rationalizing your way as you go from fix to fix, blaming anyone but yourself for the suffering.
maverick muse on January 6, 2010 at 5:46 PM
Let’s see…New York is spending tax payer’s money to educate heroin users to use their illegal drugs safely, but Minnesota is spending tax payer’s money to prosecute legal prescription drug users??? What a country!!!
chickasaw42 on January 6, 2010 at 5:48 PM
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 5:46 PM
You take the high road.
Agreed, painful human suffering is a horrible experience.
maverick muse on January 6, 2010 at 5:52 PM
chickasaw42 on January 6, 2010 at 5:48 PM
E pluribus onus.
maverick muse on January 6, 2010 at 5:53 PM
Dealers will sell you drugs at 2AM. In terms of customer service, that’s better than regular hours. Most drug dealers, like any business, try not to run out of stock.
Obviously, there are advantages to a legitimate market, certainly in terms of quality control – though that isn’t always the case. While heroin and cocaine are routinely “stepped on”, diluted or adulterated, the illegal cannabis market now sells higher quality and higher potency pot than has ever been available before today. Still, though, the success of medical marijuana dispensaries in California, Colorado and other states that have some kind of MM program, shows that many pot consumers would rather patronize a legal source than the black market.
There are many advantages to legal markets in general.
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 5:53 PM
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 5:46 PM
Unlike anonymous cowards taking potshots, I don’t hide my identity online.
So is rokem or ronnie your given last name? I know you’re Jewish, from information disclosed in some of your rants. I’ve met a lot of folks in my life, but that’s a new name on me. Also, speaking of anonymous cowards, do you speak to policemen in person in the same manner that you rag on them over and over at Hot Air? Glass Houses, remember?
kingsjester on January 6, 2010 at 5:54 PM
Er, you are not referencing your G-spot I hope?
GnuBreed on January 6, 2010 at 5:55 PM
I’ve been called by angry collections agents regarding someone else who shares my name– even though they have a different SSN, address, DOB, etc. There’s no reason to suspect that this
databaseinvasion of privacy would be any better executed than a process aiming to retrieve funds in the private sector.Anyone who thinks this will work out well must have drank too much of the ObaMao kool aid and think that this is a good segway toward the govt monitoring all prescriptions. Sheesh.
RachDubya on January 6, 2010 at 6:03 PM
Sure, if you don’t work a 9 – 5, and 2am is still early for you. And not all drug dealers will do that. Many got into the business so they could smoke for free, and at 2am, they’re out partying, cause they can.
And if you don’t know a dealer directly, then you have to call a friend who has a friend rather than just going straight to a store to buy something you know will be ready and in stock.
Naturally, which goes towards proving my point.
Agreed. Again, that’s part of the point I’m making in the first place. Buying pot from a shop means you get what you pay for. Buying from a shop generally also means you can count on more consistency for the product. And when growers don’t have to worry about getting shut down, the quality of their product generally improves as well. Also, if the shop tries to rip you off, you can call the cops or the better business bureau.
However, black markets are the only true capitalism this country has.
Esthier on January 6, 2010 at 6:03 PM
I think the problem here is, YOU are looking in a mirror. I don’t get into fights with everyone on the site, just a choice few people and usually, at the end, we agree.
YOU, however, come in every so often and splat your posts, hating cops, whining about the cops beating you down, blah blah blah blah blah.
You’re like a seagull, rokem, without the personality.
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 6:14 PM
I’ve had the same experience many times. The best one though was when the guy’s girlfriend called me at 2am wanting to know why I stood her up…
Oldnuke on January 6, 2010 at 6:39 PM
awww love in an HA thread. Is Gnu Mr. Sting?
Bradky on January 6, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Yep. I’m polite, but if they’re doing something stupid or unsafe, I don’t see why I shouldn’t offer my opinion to them. It’s a free country, isn’t it?
The problem with acting like it’s a free country is that cops often react badly to regular citizens giving them constructive criticism.
Frankly, as long as you are not breaking any actual laws, like assault etc. you should be able to say whatever you want to say to a government employee. Well, at least you should in a free country.
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Thus spake a turd, laid by a turd.
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 6:48 PM
Is your sister your wife?
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 6:49 PM
HornetSting is so enamored of cops that he wants to be the HotAir thought police.
Before you go out, be sure to wipe that blue stuff from around your mouth.
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 6:50 PM
LOL you know that ain’t true Sis
Bradky on January 6, 2010 at 6:50 PM
rokemronnie on January 6, 2010 at 6:45 PM
You can speak to the police in America anytime you want. Do you thank them for protecting your community, also? Or do you just criticize them?
kingsjester on January 6, 2010 at 6:50 PM
Yep, I have the leather chaps and the gun and everything.
Now, be sure to wipe that brown stuff from around your head, rokem.
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 6:56 PM
Good Lord! How many cows had to be slaughtered to make a pair for you?
Bradky on January 6, 2010 at 7:04 PM
Not as many as it takes for your mom’s dominatrix suit.
HornetSting on January 6, 2010 at 7:07 PM
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