Thanks for the thread, Better Believe It.

Don't use pot outside of the comfort of your home, where you have a reasonable expectation of privacy?

I really never thought it would happen to me, but I was put into that position last summer. They came to my door and told me they had some information that (illegal act) may be going on at my house. They said they wanted to come in and "check it out". I was thoroughly intimidated and shook and stuttered but I managed to convey them that I wasn't going to let them in unless they had a warrant. They didn't like that much, but they went away and I haven't heard from them since. I'm very glad that I was prepared and knew what to do.

They were in plainclothes, but I saw the badge through the sidelight before I opened the door. They tried to do that thing you see on TV where they kinda start to step in at the same time they're asking if they can come in. I quickly stood in their way so they couldn't go any further without pushing me back, and then I stepped outside and pulled the door closed behind me. They did not step back, so I had my back pressed against the closed door with them way into my personal space. Like I said, they were very intimidating. Then they gave me the story and asked to come in. They tried real hard to get me to say that maybe (illegal act) might be going on without my knowledge. Would that give them cause to search without permission? I don't know, but I wouldn't say it. Just "No, sir, it hasn't happened here" and "No, sir, you may not come in."

Or talk to them at all.

But they'd have likely come back later, and I might not have been there to handle it. My husband doesn't get it and would probably let them in, no matter how many times I've explained to him that he shouldn't ever do that. My 16 year old gets it, but she's not very assertive and their intimidation tactics may very well work with her. No, it was best for all concerned that I dealt with it then and got it over with.

To this day I don't know where they got the idea that (illegal act) was going on in my house. Weird.

It's good this stuff gets posted from time to time. People need to know. I actually had a high school teacher who taught his classes how to assert our rights when dealing with police. He even showed us vids very similar to some of the ones available today. I wish everyone were so fortunate.

I mean, seriously, that's probably the best way to not get busted for it, not fool proof, but yeah.

Disclaimer: I've smoked, don't care if you smoke, support legalization, etc.

Not just those involving pot.

Rights should be asserted even if one has "nothing to hide", lest they wither and atrophy like an unused muscle.