cannabisnews.com: An Argument for Legalization










  An Argument for Legalization

Posted by CN Staff on April 17, 2003 at 20:18:52 PT
By Brian Hansbury, Staff Writer 
Source: Keystone Online 

Student questions why marijuana is illegal and poses reasons why it should not be.Semester after semester, year after year, college students continue to question the legitimacy of our nation’s marijuana prohibition. Throughout my time here at KU, I have explored this issue, but have yet to be satisfied with a logically sound argument supporting pot’s illegality.
If knowledge is power, then it’s necessary to open the eyes of those blinded by the drug war’s propaganda, in order for a more sensible policy to emerge. I’ve spoken with several public officials about the legalization of marijuana and many of their anti-legalization arguments are easily countered and surprisingly naive. Congressman Tim Holden argues that “Prohibiting the non-medicinal use of certain mind-altering substances has been a public policy goal of the federal government for more than a century.” Aren’t alcohol, caffeine, and even tobacco all “mind-altering substances” of some sort? It’s widely accepted that public policy is often outdated and socially harmful. Take for instance, slavery or the prohibition of alcohol. If traditional thought wins out over intellectual debate, then democracy is dead. My father once told me that success lies in one’s ability to change. Changing your thoughts and actions is hard, but not impossible. The congressman went further to say that the economic costs of drug abuse were estimated to be near “$160 billion in 2000.” That includes lost productivity, health care costs, and the costs associated with the incarceration of drug abusers. Although lost productivity and the costs of health care are serious problems, I would assume those consequences are triggered more by hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin or LSD, than marijuana. More importantly, the majority of the economic costs associated with drug abuse stem from the prison system. That is, it is costing our nation much more to keep marijuana illegal than if it were to be legalized, and many of the top private contributors to the drug war are pharmaceutical companies, who would rather have citizens get high on their own products. Simply put, they’re eliminating competition. President Cevallos was also considerate enough to discuss this issue with me. He explained both the pros and cons of the legalization of marijuana. “Legalization would limit the role of the Mafia and ‘cartels’ in dealing with marijuana– probably even generate some tax revenue,” said Dr. Cevallos. Although this is an excellent point, it may be rather understated. The potential for both a drastic reduction in crime rates and a huge increase in revenue, either from taxes or a state run marijuana institution like the state liquor stores, is incredible. Negatively, “marijuana is a drug, it does alter your perceptions, it does put people at risk -driving, behaviors, attitudes, etc.” Also valid points, but this does not seem to affect our government’s views of alcohol. Age requirements and driving restrictions could be implemented, similar to those already in place with regard to alcohol. The Keystone has been serving Kutztown University since 1932; Online since 1998. Source: Keystone Online (PA)Author: Brian Hansbury, Staff WriterPublished: April 17, 2003Copyright: 1997-2003 The KeystoneContact: druman bigfoot.comWebsite: http://www.keystoneonline.com/Related Articles:Legalize Marijuana, Senate Committee Sayshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13989.shtmlThe Smoke That Terrifies, Satisfies & Mystifies http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13484.shtml

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Comment #2 posted by rchandar on April 21, 2003 at 01:04:39 PT:
legalization
i started smoking when i was 20. my friends always talked about legalization, how it would happen someday. at 26, i got busted and served three years of parole. if you're young, this is a thorn in the side that's real difficult to discharge. you have to be prepared to hold up the legalization flag for a LONG time--maybe 10, 20 years or so. people fighting for independence in the Third World had to endure much longer. the point is, legalization can happen--but most likely, not fast enough for us smokers.
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Comment #1 posted by MaryJaneFreedom on April 17, 2003 at 23:18:47 PT
Responsibility
The key I think to marijuana legalization is showing the world how responsible it's users are. There are over 30 million marijuana users in the United States that never get caught. What does this mean? they use it very responsibily.Something the Government thinks that can't be done... but it is possible. 
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