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Originally Posted by Fish
And you are for the legalization of all banned narcotics eh???
That's a really great idea Quinn  . I mean general use of addictive, mind altering substances could only be an improvement. Just look how much alcohol alone has benefited our society  . |
I think you are confusing use with legalization. Current studies suggest there would be little to no increase in number of users if marijuana use were to be legalized. It would also rid the city of the grow houses which you mentioned was one of the most serious negative effects of the drug trade. Other benefits of government regulation would include reduction of illegal dealers, a hefty income from sales and taxes, and designated legal areas to consume (smoke) would help contain use to one area.
It was probably Harry Anslinger who influenced Emily Murphy to make her march to the common's. He was the USA's first "drug czar" who was given the position in the 1930's after riding the wave of popular opinion that jazz and other musicians were spreading the "terrible weed" to the good white folks of America. He maintained spreading lies and misinformation about the drug throughout his life and built his career on fighting marijuana use. It was he who originally petitioned Canada to follow the states in its enforcemant of drug use to help protect their border.
I'm not saying it is harmless nor is it for everyone, but marijuana is not the monster it has been made out to be. For an informative and entertaining look at the use of media in altering popular opinion of the drug see "Weed", as narrated by Woody Harrelson. It contains some priceless clips of old propaganda films and astounding statistics regarding the amount of time and money spent battling the acceptance of another vice besides government taxed liquor.