Should parents smoking pot lose custody of their children?

[Bari]

I say yes. While certain members doing this would disagree, I think its harmful for the child to be around it and it sets a bad example. Is it really possible to use drugs in front of Your child and be a good parent?

What is Your opinion?

[Bell Beaker]

I agree.....

[Drawing-slim]

Perhaps not lose custody but they should be punished. Not for once, if they keep on doing it in front of kids then yes.

[Sikeliot]

No. Marijuana should be legal and normalized. Why is it worse than alcohol?

[Bari]

No. Marijuana should be legal and normalized. Why is it worse than alcohol?

I never said it was worse than alcohol, but how is that an argument for legitimizing it? What do you consider as the pros about since you consider it good for parents doing it? Do you think its okay that parents are high while around their kids?

[Dick]

I say yes. While certain members doing this would disagree, I think its harmful for the child to be around it and it sets a bad example. Is it really possible to use drugs in front of Your child and be a good parent?

What is Your opinion?
It's as harmful as same sex couples being allowed to adopt children.

[Smitty]

Smoking tobacco is harmful as well. Should smokers' children be taken away? I'm no pot advocate, by the way. I despise the stuff.

[Óttar]

No. All drugs should be legal. As long as the parents do not cause any harm to the children as a result of their drug use, they should be allowed to administer and ingest any and all substances into their bodies that they see fit. All humans (unless found incompetent due to say mental illness etc.) are endowed with reason and as such should be able to decide for themselves whether or not to take drugs.

[Bari]

Smoking tobacco is harmful as well. Should smokers' children be taken away? I'm no pot advocate, by the way. I despise the stuff.

If their children is exposed to the smoke; Yes. Tobacco is not a drug in the same way as pot, so its a rather bad comparison Imo.

[Oneeye]

Should be done after they've gone to bed, like all other vices

[Smitty]

If their children is exposed to the smoke; Yes. Tobacco is not a drug in the same way as pot, so its a rather bad comparison Imo.

It's as bad for the child's health, though. My mom grew up in a smoke-saturated home. Was that child abuse? I think it's regretful, but I'm not so sure I prefer foster care.

[Mortimer]

I agree with Sikeliot Marihuanna should be legal, to smoke a joint is not different then to drink a wodka shot. Of course you need to be restrictive of your use and to be able to function you shouldnt be a "pothead"

[Bari]

It's as bad for the child's health, though. My mom grew up in a smoke-saturated home. Was that child abuse? I think it's regretful, but I'm not so sure I prefer foster care.

It sure is bad. I consider it child abuse to expose children of smoke, however that was a different era. Today people are more educated about the harms of tobacco and therefore there should be consequenses accordingly. While foster care is a drastic move, I consider it highly unethical and selfish that anyone today would knowingly expose their children to smoking like they did in the past. Any parent today that value their smoking above their childrens health are immoral and I would question their ability to be a parent.

[Bari]

I agree with Sikeliot Marihuanna should be legal, to smoke a joint is not different then to drink a wodka shot. Of course you need to be restrictive of your use and to be able to function you shouldnt be a "pothead"

So you would consider it fine that parents light up a joint in front of their children? I do not think parents should consume any drug whether its pot or alcohol in front of their children. When you have a family and raise children I think there should be other priorities than getting intoxicated and rather set a healthy example.

Is there any good reason to promote alcohol? The cons by far outweigh any pros. There are countless studies done that unmask the consequenses alcohol have on society. Just because its been around for a long time and is legal by Law does not make it a good thing. The whole perception of alcohol needs to be re-evaluated.

[Smitty]

It sure is bad. I consider it child abuse to expose children of smoke, however that was a different era. Today people are more educated about the harms of tobacco and therefore there should be consequenses accordingly. While foster care is a drastic move, I consider it highly unethical and selfish that anyone today would knowingly expose their children to smoking like they did in the past. Any parent today that value their smoking above their childrens health are immoral and I would question their ability to be a parent.

I don't disagree with that. It's despicable behavior. Maybe some kind of fine would be in order.

[Mortimer]

So you would consider it fine that parents light up a joint in front of their children? I do not think parents should consume any drug whether its pot or alcohol in front of their children. When you have a family and raise children I think there should be other priorities than getting intoxicated and rather set a healthy example.

Is there any good reason to promote alcohol? The cons by far outweigh any pros. There are countless studies done that unmask the consequenses alcohol have on society. Just because its been around for a long time and is legal by Law does not make it a good thing. The whole perception of alcohol needs to be re-evaluated.

Alcohol is good and healthy in small amounts. A joint is also healthy and good in small amounts, sometimes to relax etc. You dont need to do it infront of the child though, and thats because of passive somking that you do it in a special room or outside the living room.

[Dandelion]

Yes, because the foster parent system isn't rife with abuse.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2824613/Foster-mother-beat-toddler-death-taken-away-biological-parents-smoked-weed-gets-sentenced-life-prison.html

Her biological parents were loving responsible parents, by the way. Lost their daughter twice (second time for good) because of the state's overreaching.

[Mortimer]

no way parents should lose their children against their will anyways, only in very extreme cases.

[Bari]

Yes, because the foster parents system isn't rife with abuse.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2824613/Foster-mother-beat-toddler-death-taken-away-biological-parents-smoked-weed-gets-sentenced-life-prison.html

Thats now what I said. I asked a question. But what I did say is that its unacceptable for parents to be intoxicated in front of their children. Do you agree or not? And should it not be faced With consequenses if they persistently do? For starters it should be fines, and if they persist they should be given the choise of what is more important their child or getting high/boozed out.

[Mortimer]

Thats now what I said. I asked a question. But what I did say is that its unacceptable for parents to be intoxicated in front of their children. Do you agree or not? And should it not be faced With consequenses if they persistently do? For starters it should be fines, and if they persist they should be given the choise of what is more important their child or getting high/boozed out.

dont think so, only if they are very boozed out and lost controll and beat their children or do harmful things, you can be only little tipsy and relaxed

[Smitty]

Alcohol is good and healthy in small amounts. A joint is also healthy and good in small amounts, sometimes to relax etc. You dont need to do it infront of the child though, and thats because of passive somking that you do it in a special room or outside the living room.

Is there research to suggest marijuana is healthy in small amounts? That sounds more like something a pothead would claim. I can't think inhaling any kind of smoke is healthy.

[Dandelion]

Thats now what I said. I asked a question. But what I did say is that its unacceptable for parents to be intoxicated in front of their children. Do you agree or not? And should it not be faced With consequenses if they persistently do? For starters it should be fines, and if they persist they should be given the choise of what is more important their child or getting high/boozed out.

Depends how much inhumane the environment is the child has to grow up in. Taking children away from their parents isn't something to be trifled with. In fact, this is also one reason I think people who say 'children can always be put up for adoption' as an argument against the right for abortion don't know what they're taking about. Physical, emotional and sexual abuse is very common among adoptive parents.

This situation should be avoided unless there's no other way. The less children there are in the foster child system, the more chance the exceptions from real destructive families get loving competent adoptive parents.

[Mortimer]

Is there research to suggest marijuana is healthy in small amounts? That sounds more like something a pothead would claim. I can't think inhaling any kind of smoke is healthy.

in some countries marihuana is used even as medicine, prescribed by doctor you can have it legally, when my dad had cancer many told me marihuana could help him but he refused to smoke it, because he never did before but marihuana is ok in small amounts, also it helps you relax and enjoy life

[MsSPF]

If their children is exposed to the smoke; Yes. Tobacco is not a drug in the same way as pot, so its a rather bad comparison Imo.

Tobocco is worst than pot in most aspects : addiction + health.
It is just admitted and accepted socially juste like alcohol during centuries because part of the customs but they are both hard drugs with powerful lobbies behind.
Pot is a soft drug but it doesnt mean you cant be addicted to it. I know persons who are.
Pot is often mixed with tobocco while smoked and it doesnt help.

[Bari]

Depends how much inhumane the environment is the child has to grow up in. Taking children away from their parents isn't something to be trifled with. In fact, this is also one reason I think people who say 'children can always be put up for adoption' as an argument against the right for abortion don't know what they're taking about. Physical, emotional and sexual abuse is very common among adoptive parents.

While foster care is not an ideal option at all, I think the possibility serves as a deterrent punishment. Any parent unable to give up on intoxication for the sake of their children if given the choise do not deserve to have custody of their children. And given the option I think the vast majority would give up on drugs/booze.

How inhumane it is is also dependant on each individual childs experience and personality. Each case must be dealt with individually. My opinion is that it should not be socially acceptable for parents to intoxicate themselves while parenting. And I question the legitimacy of how acceptable alcohol is perceived.

[Smitty]

in some countries marihuana is used even as medicine, prescribed by doctor you can have it legally, when my dad had cancer many told me marihuana could help him but he refused to smoke it, because he never did before but marihuana is ok in small amounts, also it helps you relax and enjoy life

Well, relaxation doesn't count. Life is enjoyed best with one's senses fully intact in my opinion. I had forgotten about medical marijuana. Maybe there's something to it, but I'm skeptical of something that's so intimately tied to a political movement and potential profits.

[Mortimer]

Well, relaxation doesn't count. Life is enjoyed best with one's senses fully intact in my opinion. I had forgotten about medical marijuana. Maybe there's something to it, but I'm skeptical of something that's so intimately tied to a political movement and potential profits.

all cultures drunk alcohol and smoked since time immemorial some tribes had other plants or drinks etc. its part of life, some extreme muslims even forbid photography dancing and music etc.

[Smitty]

all cultures drunk alcohol and smoked since time immemorial some tribes had other plants or drinks etc. its part of life, some extreme muslims even forbid photography dancing and music etc.

Of course. That doesn't mean it's healthy or desirable. A healthy and emotionally strong person can enjoy life without intoxicants.

[Mortimer]

Of course. That doesn't mean it's healthy or desirable. A healthy and emotionally strong person can enjoy life without intoxicants.

it right amounts its not dangerous and shouldnt be forbidden, if you dont like it dont do it you cannot forbid to others and harass them

[Smitty]

it right amounts its not dangerous and shouldnt be forbidden, if you dont like it dont do it you cannot forbid to others and harass them

Who's talking about prohibition and harassment?

[Mortimer]

Who's talking about prohibition and harassment?

to take away their children is harassment

[Smitty]

to take away their children is harassment

Well, I haven't advocated for that. But it's negligent parenting, nonetheless. Pleasure (however insipid) shouldn't obviate one's responsibilities to the people he brought into the world.

[Insuperable]

No, not at all. They (along with alcohol abusers) should be beaten to a pulp by authorities and after two months when they are released from the hospital like nothing happened say 'here try to smoke again near your children or not care for your children'.:laugh:

[Dandelion]

While foster care is not an ideal option at all, I think the possibility serves as a deterrent punishment. Any parent unable to give up on intoxication for the sake of their children if given the choise do not deserve to have custody of their children. And given the option I think the vast majority would give up on drugs/booze.

How inhumane it is is also dependant on each individual childs experience and personality. Each case must be dealt with individually. My opinion is that it should not be socially acceptable for parents to intoxicate themselves while parenting. And I question the legitimacy of how acceptable alcohol is perceived.

A crude and strictly applied policy over the welfare of children that likely breaks up flawed yet functional families is a terrible idea. Ruling through mainly fear and deterrence, very typical of what we're seeing in the Islamic world. No thanks. It sucks and isn't functional.

[Lek]

Is there research to suggest marijuana is healthy in small amounts? That sounds more like something a pothead would claim. I can't think inhaling any kind of smoke is healthy.

Fast Food isn't healthy, let's ban it.

[Smitty]

Fast Food isn't healthy, let's ban it.

Good luck banning anything in Mexico, buddy.

[Herr Abubu]

Smoking tobacco is harmful as well. Should smokers' children be taken away? I'm no pot advocate, by the way. I despise the stuff.

The mental effects of tobacco and Cannabis are completely different. It isn't about mere harm in the utilitarian sense of the loss of life expectancy for useful wage earner cash cows, mere physical harm, it is about the mental and moral degeneration it causes.

[Smitty]

The mental effects of tobacco and Cannabis are completely different.

Of course. But provided one isn't mistreating his children while under the influence, I can't see what objections there could be to marijuana other than the health effects.

[Herr Abubu]

Fast Food isn't healthy, let's ban it.

I'm totally onboard with that.

[Herr Abubu]

Of course. But provided one isn't mistreating his children while under the influence, I can't see what objections there could be too marijuana. I assume, then, that the objections are health-related.

Harm and mistreatment is a very murky idea. Today, because of our liberal assumptions, we pretend that harm is only when there is violence involved, while exposing children to porn is alright because it's not violent. Exposing children to porn is, however, greatly harmful, in ways that are more subtle, but also far more damaging.

Cannabis greatly harms a person mentally. Anyone who says otherwise is either too inexperienced with it or too stupid to know either way. A person who intentionally destroys his mental faculties and spiritual self as a recreation relinquishes his responsibility for others since he can't even be trusted to himself.

[Smitty]

Harm and mistreatment is a very murky idea. Today, because of our liberal assumptions, we pretend that harm is only when there is violence involved, while exposing children to porn is alright because it's not violent. Exposing children to porn is, however, greatly harmful, in ways that are more subtle, but also far more damaging.

Cannabis greatly harms a person mentally. Anyone who says otherwise is either too inexperienced with it or too stupid to know either way. A person who intentionally destroys his mental faculties and spiritual self as a recreation relinquishes his responsibility for others since he can't even be trusted to himself.

I actually agree with all that, but I would not want government (another corrupt, faulty, human institution) stepping in to determine what constitutes harm, unless it's very obvious. Abuse, exposure of the child to smoke: sure, that could warrant intervention. But I don't favor it just because the parents are setting a bad example, for instance.

[Herr Abubu]

I actually agree with all that, but I would not want government (another corrupt, faulty, human institution) stepping in to determine what constitutes harm, unless it's very obvious. Abuse, exposure of the child to smoke: sure, that could warrant intervention. But I don't favor it just because the parents are setting a bad example, for instance.

The state (which is essentially a unique, modern, form of government, with government itself not necessarily bad) shouldn't get to say what is right and what is wrong. To set a bad example is to educate wrongly. It is much worse for the child that he be taught to smoke Cannabis, as his parents did, than mere exposure to smoke. Good government with the guidance of the Church should make it unlawful if it is a good government against such parenting. Communities are what should do the policing.

[Dema]

Ohh shut up Bari, if anyone should lose children its your parents because of what have u become. I wonder what they used near you lol.

[Smitty]

The state (which is essentially a unique, modern, form of government, with government itself not necessarily bad) shouldn't get to say what is right and what is wrong. To set a bad example is to educate wrongly. It is much worse for the child that he be taught to smoke Cannabis, as his parents did, than mere exposure to smoke. Good government with the guidance of the Church should make it unlawful if it is a good government against such parenting. Communities are what should do the policing.

I prefer social stigma. Americans have deep distrust for government, and I'm no exception. We can't have government meddling in every little family affair. Else, they'll be arresting one parent for spanking, another for having a beer on his day off, another for feeding his kids macaroni and cheese. I don't want a nanny state. Parents have the responsibility to raise their children right. There will be some bad apples, and the state will take care of those. As for all the minor mistakes that (all) parents make, they can be dealt with by social pressure. And if society is so degenerate that social pressure no longer exists or functions effectively, then there's probably no hope for it anyway.

[Queen B]

It depends. they key word is : Moderation.
How often? How much ? What's his/her abilities at parenting?
There are several things that cloud your judgement, not only pot. Alchohol and pills are , too.
I wouldn't recomment taking custody over a joint once a week, when kids are sleepy, but I would recomend if he/she is always stoned, smoking several joints per day.
Same goes for alchohol, too.

[Ylla]

No. Marijuana should be legal and normalized. Why is it worse than alcohol?

Finally we agree

Lol at a parent 'losing custody' this is the whitest thread on apricity. No parent should have their child taken away only in extreeemee cases like Mortimer said.

[Dema]

I would always give children to stoners that smoke pot then to alcoholics and junkies. People that smoke pot are actually really thoughtful and they care. You will never read case that someone smoked joint and beat off his wife and kids, this just dont happen. While drunk people do it daily.

[Hithaeglir]

People who abuse their children physically and verbally should lose custody,not someone who smokes pot once in a while.If we go by the pot example,then we shall say that parents who drink alcohol,smoke tobacco should lose custody of their children too.

[Bari]

People who abuse their children physically and verbally should lose custody,not someone who smokes pot once in a while.If we go by the pot example,then we shall say that parents who drink alcohol,smoke tobacco should lose custody of their children too.

Are there any valid argument as to why pot, alcohol or tobacco should be legal and encouraged? There are countless studies providing evidence of the harm it causes. Smoking should be banned in all public places, and anyone exposing their child to smoke or anyone else for that matter should be fined heavily.

These intoxications cause sociey huge expences that are in fact unnecessary. And as for banning junk food I am all in favor of that as well. Society and parents should be encouraged to live healthy. There is no excuse as to why obviously harmful stuff like this should be acceptable by law or the community.

[Hithaeglir]

Are there any valid argument as to why pot, alcohol or tobacco should be legal and encouraged? There are countless studies providing evidence of the harm it causes. Smoking should be banned in all public places, and anyone exposing their child to smoke or anyone else for that matter should be fined heavily.

These intoxications cause sociey huge expences that are in fact unnecessary. And as for banning junk food I am all in favor of that as well. Society and parents should be encouraged to live healthy. There is no excuse as to why obviously harmful stuff like this should be acceptable by law or the community.

There's the argument of free will,let something exist and just educate people about its dangers.Pot and alcohol don't cause the same harm as smoking if used moderately and passive smoking from a marijuana cigarette isn't that harmful for your lungs.

I do agree with you though,that smoking indoors should be banned,same for the exposure of children to tobacco.

[The Illyrian Warrior]

No, they should join in and smoke pot together. Kiddin' :p

I dunno.

[Bari]

There's the argument of free will,let something exist and just educate people about its dangers.Pot and alcohol don't cause the same harm as smoking if used moderately and passive smoking from a marijuana cigarette isn't that harmful for your lungs.

I do agree with you though,that smoking indoors should be banned,same for the exposure of children to tobacco.

Free will should not be allowed when it becomes an expence to society. Imo people having these vices should receive no financial support when their vices ends up with them needing medical assistance of any sort. They should have to pay for the treatment from their own pocket and not a single penny covered taxpayers.

I think thats a fair deal.

[Herr Abubu]

I prefer social stigma. Americans have deep distrust for government, and I'm no exception. We can't have government meddling in every little family affair. Else, they'll be arresting one parent for spanking, another for having a beer on his day off, another for feeding his kids macaroni and cheese. I don't want a nanny state. Parents have the responsibility to raise their children right. There will be some bad apples, and the state will take care of those. As for all the minor mistakes that (all) parents make, they can be dealt with by social pressure. And if society is so degenerate that social pressure no longer exists or functions effectively, then there's probably no hope for it anyway.

Americans deep distrust for government is only rivaled by their deep love for the invisible hands of the oligarchs who rule them. I don't want a nanny state either, quite the opposite, but I also don't want moral relativism. Children aren't raised only by their parents but by their community, which is also responsible for its members. Social stigma isn't always going to work, and it's useless since people won't necessarily know what happens inside the household anyway, it doesn't stop pedophilia, f.e. In the cases that it doesn't work, what then? Why should there be social stigma but not actual intervention?

[Kazimiera]

I am not opposed to parents smoking weed per se.

I will explain what I mean by that by two scenarios:

1. Parents smoke weed every now and again, away from the children. The kids are not aware that this is happening. They are otherwise successful people who look after their kids well.
2. Parents smoke weed in front of the kids, expose them to it and lay around doing nothing all day except smoking weed. Their children suffer as a result of the parents' lifestyle.

I know a number of people who fit into category 1. They are not opposed to a joint or two, but it is done away from the children. The children never see them stoned. They are otherwise good parents and their occasional use of weed does not affect the quality of their parenting.

You can also add alcohol into the equation. Parents who have a glass of wine or two, who don't get pissed in front of the kids, are fine. Then you get the parents who drink three bottles of tequila and let the kids see them stumble, slur and vomit in the garden. I am very opposed to the second scenario.

I think the crux of the matter here is not that it is done, but how it is done.

[Smitty]

Americans deep distrust for government is only rivaled by their deep love for the invisible hands of the oligarchs who rule them. I don't want a nanny state either, quite the opposite, but I also don't want moral relativism. Children aren't raised only by their parents but by their community, which is also responsible for its members. Social stigma isn't always going to work, and it's useless since people won't necessarily know what happens inside the household anyway, it doesn't stop pedophilia, f.e. In the cases that it doesn't work, what then? Why should there be social stigma but not actual intervention?

Well, let me be clear: Some things warrant government intervention, including pedophilia, physical abuse, clear neglect, etc. These are the bad apples I referred to. But a line has to be drawn somewhere. Parents must have the primary responsibility for child-rearing, or the government is the actual parent. And I don't think things like a child's diet (short of malnutrition) are in the government's domain. If too much pop is bad for a kid, then let the other mothers frown at the mom who overuses it. That's social pressure. If it doesn't work, then so be it. Maybe her kids won't have had an ideal childhood, but then, which of us has?

As for Americans' love of our oligarchy, what do you think Trump was about? We hate our oligarchy, leftists excepted. Not all of us are aware of it, and those of us who are certainly aren't sure of what to do about it. But if you think we love it, you're very much mistaken.

[Raikaswinþs]

I say yes. While certain members doing this would disagree, I think its harmful for the child to be around it and it sets a bad example. Is it really possible to use drugs in front of Your child and be a good parent?

What is Your opinion?

I think it depends on the parents and the consumption. Alcohol is way more damaging than pot, yet nobody will take away your kids just for drinking it. They will do it for becoming an alcoholic. So ye,s neglecting parents that abuse any drug should be defenitely forced to change their habits under threat of losling custody. Irrespectively of what is it that they are abusing.

[ÁGUIA]

No, smoking pot will not inherently make you a bad parent.

It all depends of one comsumption habits and if it is going to harm in any way your parenting skills or not.
I have friends who smoke their joint here and there and they are good responsible parents. They do it at the end of the day, after the kids are sleeping. Now if you are talking about heavy users constantly high then of course yes. The same can be aplied to alcohol, my father always drank his classical glass of red wine at meals. That did not turn me into an alcoholic, but if we are talking about people constantly being drunk in front of children of course I will oppose vehemently.

The difference here between weed and other socially accepted drugs is that you can be setting an example to you children to incur in illegal activities, mmm it's a little tricky.
I think in case of usage it should be done far from kids eyes.

Notwithstanding weed should be legalized and taxed, it only empowers the underworld being forbidden.

This is the opinion of a guy who does not smoke, do drugs or drink alcohol (and i certainly don't advocate them), I skip the fast food as well... my life is boring.

[Taiguaitiaoghyrmmumin]

Yes

[Aodhan]

NO THEY MUST BE PUNISHED ONLY IF THEY ARE SELLING IT

[Drawing-slim]

I am not a parent but smoking pot i dont think is gonna ruin your kids, nothing is gonna ruin your kids except their friends who they hangout with. Most fucked up kids come from great "perfect" parents anyway, so how perants act around the house i dont think is ever gonna have an impact on their kid's lives.
I think it comes down to genetics, if your parents were decent souls from their birth to old age then as they say the apple never falls to far off the tree.
Good parents can be even serial killers, rapists fellons etc, but their kids sooner or later at mature age will aquire some if not exact nature of their parents. Theres no escaping when it comes to inherent nature.
So there's no point of worrying about weed smoking parents really.

[RenaRyuguu]

Nope if anything it should be alcoholics and others