The legal use of marijuana for medicinal purposes appears to be gaining some momentum in this country. There is a very organized movement supporting this cause, especially in California where Proposition 215 passed way back in 1996. This act made it legal for patients with a valid doctor's recommendation to possess and cultivate marijuana for medicinal purposes. The first medical marijuana super store opened in Northern California last month and President Obama has promised to end DEA raids where medical marijuana is manufactured.
But what about smoking cannabis for recreational purposes? Are we headed towards a a day where this too will one day be legal?
Proponents for legalizing recreational marijuana believe that pot is no different than alcohol. As a matter of fact, many believe it is far less harmful than alcohol.
Is smoking weed even harmful at all?
I am no medical expert, but what I do know is that smoking marijuana is a motivational killer.
Some argue that no one has ever smoked pot and then went out and committed a violent crime. Of course they haven't-- that would require getting up off the couch first!
Others say that getting high is not physically addictive. Again, I am no doctor, but I believe wholeheartedly that it is psychologically addictive-- I've seen it, in friends who can't perform their normal day-to-day activities without first taking a hit.
And still there are those who say that if marijuana use was legalized, it could be taxed for sale and distribution. This money could then be used to offset budget deficits and fund important programs. Well, I am all for balancing budgets and providing important government funded programs, but not at the expense of a “high society.”
One of the great things about our country is that we are free to debate issues openly in the public forum. As with most topics, there are compelling arguments on both sides of this debate. Legalizing recreational marijuana is not a new concept, nor is it one that will be going away anytime soon.
Legalize it
Don't criticize it
Legalize it, yeah, yeah
And I will advertise it
From “Legalize It,” by Peter Tosh
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"I am no medical expert, but what I do know is that smoking marijuana is a motivational killer."
ReplyDeleteI respectfully disagree.
I think that whether or not marijuana is a motivational killer depends on the individual's own personal drive. Did you know that there are genetically engineered strains that are prescribed to enhance activity? I know, crazy huh? These strains are typically Sativa strains which can induce an energetic effect and increase the activity in the left side of the brain as opposed to Indica strains which produce the stereotypical "couch lock" effect.