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January 13^th, 2010

It seems like the state of California may soon legalize marijuana.  They already allow some use, with a doctor’s note, but now they are talking about going all in, the whole enchilada, the full monty.

Sure, all that has happened so far was a procedural vote in the state legislature, but experts on California politics seemed to think that was a significant step.  It would still need to be passed by the legislature and then signed by Governor Schwarzenegger, but as much as he’s been bitching about California not having any money, he might be in a mood for creative measures.  Of course, federal authorities could always pull rank, but maybe they have too much on their plate at the moment to really focus on their silly war on drugs.  So, I’m cautiously opimistic.

There are many reasons to legalize marijuana.

First, of course, just because it’s the right thing to do.  People should be allowed to do whatever they want to, as long as they aren’t hurting anybody else.

2^nd, the hemp plant (not exactly the same as marijuana, but hemp is illegal in the U.S. just because it looks like marijuana, believe it or not) has many uses: as fuel, in the manufacture of rope, paper and cloth, and the seeds provide a nice, crunchy addition to a salad.

3^rd, marijuana has numerous health benefits.  Want proof?  Visit two people –the biggest stoner you know, and the most fanatic anti-marijuana person you know.  While in their home, excuse yourself to go to the bathroom.  Sneak a peek into their medicine cabinet.  I absolutely guarantee you, the stoner will have fewer medicaments.  They don’t need them.

4^th, It would let a lot of people out of jail who don’t belong there, freeing up space for people who do.

5^th, It would improve police-community relations.  As things stand now, people who are basically law abiding, decent folks won’t co-operate with the police on anything, because they know the cops just want to bust people for getting high.

6^th, As a taxable item, it would have an immediate positive effect on the economy.

7^th,  Marijuana calms people down.  Legalizing it would lead to a more civil, less violence prone society.

Reasons for keeping marijuana illegal?  Really, I can’t think of a single one.