Altering your mental state for fun and recreation

[eyeball]

I don't believe any government act actually addresses the human act of recreationally altering one's mind.

If anyone knows of any government acts at all anywhere that specifically address something as intimitely personal or private as what we're allowed to do or think or feel in our own minds I'd like to know what they are. Perhaps examples of these in addition to answering some of the fundamental questions I've asked would provide other starting points from which to approach the issue, assuming it even is or should be one.

Edited June 25, 2009 by eyeball

[Bonam]

Good topic, gets to the heart of the issue.

The problem, of course, is the reality of how people alter their mental state for fun and recreation. Clearly, altering your mental state with alcohol is widely accepted and legal in our society, although, the government does regulate a minimum age for this.

Other types of substances that affect your mental state are generally-speaking prohibited. That being said, I would say that if some substances are regulated or prohibited, it should be for their harmful effects (addiction, health impact, etc) and not for their alteration of your mental state. I would go further and say that the government should really only get involved when the use of mind-altering agents leads to harm to other individuals (besides the user).

If something has no harmful impact, and simply has the effect of temporarily altering one's mental state, I'd say the government should not regulate or prohibit it.

[Smallc]

So then I guess nothing should be allowed, since alcohol is known to cause cancer.

[Bonam]

So then I guess nothing should be allowed, since alcohol is known to cause cancer.

Did you read the whole post? You seem to have missed this part:

I would go further and say that the government should really only get involved when the use of mind-altering agents leads to harm to other individuals (besides the user).

[Smallc]

So alcohol then...since it often leads to the harm of others.

[punked]

Is it right or wrong?

Then you get to chose yes or no.

That does not make sense yes or no to what right or wrong?

[eyeball]

Is it right or wrong?

Then you get to chose yes or no.

That does not make sense yes or no to what right or wrong?

I edited the question so you can now choose right or wrong, thanks for pointing out my error. My apologies if my changes effect how anyone voted - since there were only a handful of you who voted so far I'll take my chances.

The so-called sin taxes that are applied to alcohol (and tobacco) implies morality is close to the heart of the justification given for taxing them. Should the legislation that prohibits or permits their use be the place to address morality or would the acts or laws that govern taxation be a better place for doing this?

[Moonbox]

So then I guess nothing should be allowed, since alcohol is known to cause cancer.

Way to nitpick.

Alchohol has to be consumed in large quantities for it to cause cancer and generally for it to harm someone else.

[bush_cheney2004]

....The so-called sin taxes that are applied to alcohol (and tobacco) implies morality is close to the heart of the justification given for taxing them. Should the legislation that prohibits or permits their use be the place to address morality or would the acts or laws that govern taxation be a better place for doing this?

Wel, I think you have cut to the chase for this or any similar issue. Once you agree to accept the idea of law and order then you can be subject to any number of limitations, moral or otherwise.

That's why I always ask if I can marry my mother/father or sister/brother in Canada.

[Smallc]

Alchohol has to be consumed in large quantities for it to cause cancer and generally for it to harm someone else.

Studies show that there is no safe alcohol consumption when it comes to its carcinogenic effects. It is, on the other hand, good for heart health in moderate quantities.

[madmax]

wat kwestion

humpties

deritas

muncheese

anee one no wat Rush did with is ozy cooton piles

still on radeo is't he