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Originally Posted by Fetish Gimp
I agree, with the caveat that ANY substance when abused will end up being bad for you. Drink too much water and you're gonna suffer from Hyponatremia and it can be fatal.
The question is, if pot's side effects are milder than alcohol's, why is it still illegal?
Why are people being sent to jail for what is basically a version of getting drunk? Why let criminal elements control what can be a significant source of revenue for the government, just like alcohol when prohibition was in effect? |
First of all, I think marijuana should be legalized.
Marijuana is apart of the controlled substances act due to being perceived as an addictive drug the same as narcotics. People have become comfortable with the status quo for nearly a century on the federal ban on marijuana. Unfortunately, bans like that aren't changed without overwhelming support.
There is no denying your argument is compelling. However, advocates for the legalization of marijuana haven't been able to present a case to overturn a ban that's existed for so long. To a lot of the general public the image of a marijuana user is a loser who risks being arrested so that he or she can create a euphoric high. Unfortunately those people aren't taken seriously, especially by lawmakers.
I know that sounds incredibly ignorant, but it IS the unfortunate reality. For example, if a couple was hiring a babysitter they wouldn't frown upon someone who enjoys a few drinks on the weekend. However, replace that with someone who indulges in marijuana that person is automatically perceived as irresponsible.
There is also a lot of false propaganda that Marijuana cures diseases and that it has no side effects. We spend a lot of money telling people to "drink responsibly" and that cigarettes cause cancer.
A false perception that you can get high all day with no consequences is a battle nobody wants to take on. Just look at this thread. While Marijuana is not as bad as alcohol, the fact is, most users are in complete denial that it is unhealthy. They will argue to the death that it is perfectly healthy and it has no negative side effects. When in-fact many users who make that argument grossly abuse the drug from morning to night 7 days a week with a lifestyle that revolves around the use of marijuana.
For those reasons I don't marijuana will ever be legalized here.