Legalizing Marijuana for the Right Reasons in WORLD

The current debate, in which the citizens of the State of California and the United States of America in general, are engaged in, seems to be exhausting. The medicinal debate appears to be over, now replaced with the seemingly more desperate search for an easy way out of our current economic state. Taxpayers, with the weight of the budget on their shoulders should be reminded of the old video clip of, current California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger lifting weights and weighing in on his feelings on the controversial drug. Now, that word, drug, is a word which does not accurately define marijuana for many. Perhaps, the purpose of the current debates should shift and instead focus not on making up for lost money, but toward studying closely what we know and do not know about marijuana. What facts and myths are influencing society and how it perceives marijuana? How has legal reform affected other countries? Is marijuana like other drugs or a gateway to other drugs? The answers are out there.

Tobacco, Alcohol and countless other daily use substances such as caffeine, appear to be the focus for a majority of the folks who would have you and I believe that marijuana is unhealthful and immoral. Claims of marijuana degrading the socialization of teens, sucking them dry of any ambition or desire of success are extreme at minimum. This viewpoint is old fashioned at best, quite possibly racist in foundation and exceptionally limited in any backing with substance. History will show, quite accurately, the process in which marijuana became illegal in this country.

In the book “The Emperor Wears No Clothes” by Jack Herer, there is the factual story of Harry J. Anslinger, first Commissioner of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (now defunct) and how his influence allowed for the racist-driven illegalization of a substance associated with Mexicans and African-Americans. Police reports and other claims of rape and murder by individuals under the influence of marijuana were used to strike fear into the hearts of citizens. The claim, however, that these awful crimes were directly attributed to use of marijuana as apposed to good old fashioned sociopathy is obviously unwarranted.

Looking closely at marijuana users and the culture they are involved in may show many outsiders exactly the difference between what society believes and accepts as truth and the reality of the situation. Potheads, stoners, dopers – so many names to describe unsavory marijuana smokers and their entourage circle of smoker friends. The truth is, not all marijuana smokers are low-lifes, but many are highly respected members of society (pun intended). From law, business and marketing to the usual music, movies and the like, the positions marijuana users hold in society varies. Students of high school and college, even the unfortunate junior high and elementary children have been exposed to marijuana. Remember one thing we know about one person in particular, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. This individual who has recently spoke about opening a discussion on the subject, has used marijuana in the past and has been a successful former body-builder, an actor, and now, politician. Anyone from any walk of life, involved in any type of occupation, could be a marijuana smoker, well user at least. Wait, is there a difference between a marijuana smoker and a marijuana user? Well, yes and no. Marijuana smokers are users, however not all users are smokers. How could that be?

Smoking is the most common and popular usage of marijuana consumption, but it is not the only one. Recently, vaporization of marijuana or actually of the THC within the plant matter has become increasingly popular. Vaporization eliminates many of the harmful carcinogens created when combustion of the plant material occurs. This creates a much safer and healthier method of using marijuana. Many of us have also heard of laced brownies and space-cakes, which are baked goods with marijuana as a key ingredient. Does eating marijuana do harm to an individuals body or mental state? Not many studies I have read through ever even mention this. Information. That is the near equivalent of the age-old question of marijuana being harmful to people who consume marijuana at all. Debates have stirred, studies have been conducted, yet it seems we are nowhere near the answers to these questions. Do we lack the technology or understanding of marijuana to study it appropriately? I believe that is impossible at this juncture, since marijuana has been around for approximately 4,000-5,000 years, which we know of.

Users and non-users alike can agree that substance abuse affects, not only those who do the abusing, but those around them as well. But it is the abuse, not the substance, which lends a hand in disruptive and destructive behavior. The abuse is the responsibility of the individual partaking in such substances, and in some cases, anyone else who is enabling the abuse to continue. This has been evident in codependent family systems studied in the past and is still recognized today. These are the real issues with marijuana.

A person with the hopes of truly becoming informed on the subject of marijuana law need only research the history of prohibition in the United States. Research the violence related to alcohol before, during, and after prohibition. Investigate the numerous health problems and legal ramifications of the legalization and regulation of tobacco, including marketing limits. Research the many examples of marijuana law reform in the United States and overseas. By conducting research within your own community, as well as others, you may find real people with real voices who may not have been heard by everyone. The point is to research on your own, to get involved and most importantly, focus on marijuana - not every other substance that is legal or otherwise. Focus on the people who use and do not use marijuana. Those affected by its existence, positively or negatively. No death of a human has ever been documented in the history of this plant. Yes, it's just a plant. Can a plant be immoral? Can a plant be irresponsible? I hope the focus can be shifted back to the people. All people. We are all responsible to be active and involved in the debate as well as the social implications. Are you ready? I am.