Drugs: Decriminalization vs. Legalization

[Yodeler]

Canadains get the same drugs as Americans, but at far lower costs ...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

From what I've heard, generic drugs are actually cheaper in the USA.

Also from what I've heard, Medicare encourages it's doctors to prescribe the cheaper drugs, whenever possible.

That would be the generic ones, no?

[Yodeler]

Canadains get the same drugs as Americans, but at far lower costs ...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

From what I've heard, generic drugs are actually cheaper in the USA.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've heard right, it seems.

http://www.usembassycanada.gov/content/tex...cription_111803

"For example, we looked particularly closely at the price retailers pay (per milligram) for the active ingredients that go into seven top generic drugs used to treat chronic conditions. These are drugs widely used in the U.S. that have all lost patent protection in the last ten years. [Alprazolam, clonazepam, enalapril, fluoxetine, lisinopril, metformin, and metoprolol]. In only one case was the Canadian generic cheaper than in the US. In another case, the generic version was not yet available in Canada, and for 4 of the remaining 5 drugs, the US generic was half the price, if not cheaper, than the Canadian generic. In other countries, the overpayments for generic drugs appear to be even worse: in Italy, for example, a recent study revealed that generic drugs cost almost twice as much as those in the U.S. Furthermore, when looking at unbranded generics specifically, this study revealed that prices range from a third higher in France and Canada to almost double in both Italy and Germany."

[Yodeler]

all drugs illegal

legal alcohol and prescription drugs only

decriminalization of marijuana

legalization of marijuana

decriminalization of all drugs

legalization of all drugs

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you're surprised that not many posters voted it may be because you eliminated all tobacco users.

How many votes did you get, anyway?

[theloniusfleabag]

Dear Yodeler,

If you're surprised that not many posters voted it may be because you eliminated all tobacco users

I did not include tobacco as it is not 'recreational' or 'debilitating' (at least to the mind, there are no warnings or prohibition to operating machinery or motor vehicles on a pack of smokes) like the others.

How many votes did you get, anyway?

You would have been shown this had you voted, or you could click on 'see results' (with a 'nil' vote) quite easily. However, at the time of this writing, there was 20 votes (which is the approximate number of 'legitimate posters' here at any given time).

[Canuck E Stan]

Why don't you email Jack Layton... I guarantee he'll answer.

I'm still waiting for a response to my e-mail, I think your quarantee isn't worth much.

There was a complete page on their web site prior to the last election... I suppose people have a right to change slightly over the years.... It is still a "pro" response....

And where is their "new" decriminalization instead of legalization page?

Why have they changed their stance?

I think your "right to change slightly over the years" is hardly a "slight" change in opinion. There is a big difference between these two concepts.

If Jack changes his mind,like a good little NDPer, do you also change yours?

Or do you stand up for your convictions and demand legalization? Do you ever disagree with Jack or the NPD?

QUOTE(Canuck E Stan @ Oct 11 2005, 11:52 PM)

Jack and the NDP are no different than any of the other politicians.Say anything to get a vote.

At least he do an about face three times in one election campaign as did Harper on abortion last time just to "get votes"...

Yes Err,Jack is the best....

Jack's just the same as any politician,this bong master will do and say anything to get votes....

[Yodeler]

In another case, the generic version was not yet available in Canada, and for 4 of the remaining 5 drugs, the US generic was half the price, if not cheaper, than the Canadian generic. Furthermore, when looking at unbranded generics specifically, this study revealed that prices range from a third higher in France and Canada to almost double in both Italy and Germany."

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I checked my 2005 drug prescriptions, and I'll be damned if they're not all generics. The whole lot of them ... and a pretty big lot it is.

Now if I only find a quack in the US who will rubber stamp my quack's prescriptions, I'll save myself a bundle.

[err]

Why don't you email Jack Layton... I guarantee he'll answer.

I'm still waiting for a response to my e-mail, I think your quarantee isn't worth much.

I only assumed that you provided you proper email address, and asked in a somewhat social manner.... that being the case, you should have gotten your response by now... but knowing you, maybe that wasn't the case....

There was a complete page on their web site prior to the last election... I suppose people have a right to change slightly over the years.... It is still a "pro" response....

And where is their "new" decriminalization instead of legalization page?

Why have they changed their stance?

I think your "right to change slightly over the years" is hardly a "slight" change in opinion. There is a big difference between these two concepts.

Decriminalization is achievable, and provides the main intent of the NDP's stated platform at the previous election. One of the largest concerns was the treatment Canadian citizens receive south of the border if they have even a minor record of possession of a single 'joint' (marijuana cigarette) from 20 years ago. They won't be allowed into the USA for family funerals, business, etc....

If Jack changes his mind,like a good little NDPer, do you also change yours?

Or do you stand up for your convictions and demand legalization? Do you ever disagree with Jack or the NPD?

I see merit in legalization, from a number of points of view. I also understand the difficulties with legalization. However, if I have a conviction (not a police one) about marijuana, it is that it should be decriminalized for the aforementioned reasons.

Jack and the NDP are no different than any of the other politicians.Say anything to get a vote.

At least he do an about face three times in one election campaign as did Harper on abortion last time just to "get votes"...

I think you're contradicting yourself. You gripe about Jack Layton and the NDP being "lefties", but then you say they're "just the same" as any politician. The fact that Layton espouses a less "popular" stance gives him more credibility in having a position.....

Yes Err,Jack is the best....

I'm really choked up that you seem to have changed your mind.... Way to go comerade.....

[Canuck E Stan]

Way to go comerade.....

Ahh, so the NDPers are a closet communists.