Alcohol kills 100,000/yr.....Pot has killed 0 since the beginning of time!
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Why Not Legalize Marijuana....Dude
Okay, I've spent days and days researching the pros and cons of marijuana use. I'm extremely exhausted (not from smoking pot either...right now anyway) by the - VERY few - but detrimentally misguided exerpts from people who simply don't like weed, have never tried it, or were conditioned by snooty society to look down upon it.
After intensely studying hundreds upon hundreds of opinions, the same realities presented themselves in living color! It is blatantly obvious to me that the majority of Americans are ready to pass the Marijuana Legalization bill, for many different reasons and afflictions.
Literally millions (approx 40%-50%) of Americans polled in the last couple of years on this subject, users or non-users, believe it's absolutely ubsurd that the government continues to ignore this. But for many of us it's no surprise. Government, Corporate America, and Pharmaceutical companies have NO intention on researching, let alone legalizing marijuana because it would cost all of THEM money! If it was legal more people would use it (especially medicinally) because it's free. They could grow their own. They'd have no need for chock-full-of-side-effects prescriptions that they can't afford. What would happen if half the amount of people (or more) stopped going to the doctor for these overrated and laughably FDA approved medications? Well, the government and medical professions would suffer huge financial loss, that's what.
I read story after story on the medical benefits. Many forms of cancer, Glaucoma, AIDS, diabetes, neuropathic problems, migraines, joint pain, and spinal injuries patients are proven to benefit from a little weed. There is also a pill form of THC that some patients are given, to eliminate the side effects of smoking it.
Outside of the medical marijuana issues, there's always the argument that alcohol and tobacco have more side effects than pot. Prohibition was lifted for a reason, everybody wanted it to be. But it wasn't a hinderance to the corporate and medical world at that time either.You can research hundreds of sites on the subject and you'll hear the same thing. The proof is in the pudding. There are 100,000 deaths a year where alcohol is a factor. There are 400,000 deaths a year from tobacco related illnesses....funny, there are NO deaths reported where marijuana was the cause. NONE! IN ALL OF HISTORY!
Besides medical use (for pain), another HUGE group of users suffer with anxiety or depression. Me included. I'm living proof (along with millions of other Americans) that it's one of very few methods of relaxation, mentally or physically. I don't smoke it and then sit on the couch with donuts and a bag of greasy chips. It actually helps me concentrate and makes house-cleaning much more fun!
So, let's all gather in a circle and get this taken care of. It is pertinent that we legalize marijuana for medical uses, so that people don't have to suffer. Hundreds, if not thousands of people say that they've tried every other pain pill on the market for their afflictions, but none helped them. Pot did! And since this is the land of the free, shouldn't people be able to decide for themselves what they can and want to take to improve their quality of life?
Oh yeah, let's not forget that we're talking about a natural herb that God gave us.
Please, support the cause. I'll be adding my own petition to legalize marijuana in the next couple of days....check back often and make sure to sign it:)
Peace out dudes
References to statistics:
1. http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/56753/
2. http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/05/24/marijuana-researchers-make-progress-in-the-lab-but-not-in-washington/?apage=2
3. http://www.salem-news.com/articles/november082007/pot_youth_11707.php
4. http://www.cannabismd.net/analgesia/
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People who us marajuana may not die from it, but if they get behind the wheel, they can kill someone else. Alcohol abuse is far more prevelant as far as DUI's, but that is not to say that cannabis does not impair you while driving. I have allergy medicine that impairs me just enough so that I cannot drive while on it. The bottom line is, if you get behind the wheel under the influence of any type of substance, legal or not, you take the risk of killing somone.
Also, while people say they use it for medicinal purposes, most people use it to get high. If you have to become intoxicated or high all the time to enjoy life, and it becomes a habit, whether physically addictive or not, that doesn't sound like a quality or responsible life. Before you accuse me of being a non-using goody two shoes, let me just say I am in recovery. I know what weed and alcohol do. Ya, it makes you feel good, but I feel better, and am a more useful and responsible person now that I am not. That doesn't make me better than anyone else, but my life is better.
I think they should legalize it. I do not smoke it but would if it were legal, for medical reasons ofcourse...:)
I think if alcohol and ciggarettes, which harm people FAR worse, are legal, so should be weed. I don't smoke weed or drink alcohol, but have experiences with both and my alcohol ones were far worse. Weed isn't legal for the sake of it being a "drug" its illegal because of the hemp company's who make millions a year using hemp. Its a fast growing plant and I think they should make even more hemp products to save trees and legalize it. I wish alcohol was illegal. lol
I am a true believer in "what you focus on expands". So if the majority wants to legalize Marijuana, lets keep focusing on that and it will manifest, just like every other belief.....think about it!
Sarc - The indivduals that you are talking about are to blame not the weed. The same thing can happen with video games, gambling, and a multitude of other things.
While it may be true that know one has died from weed,I know of instances where people have suffered brain damage from smoking herb.imagine not being able to remember yesterday?Imagine haveing to write down everything that happens today so you can read over it tommorow!
Does weed have to kill for it to be a bad, unproductive substance? Look at what happened to this life right here http://stop-smoking-weed.org ... And I know a couple stories myself of ruined, loser, dead-end lives that could have been prevented had it not been for marijuana addiction
PB--Very well said. Thank you for reading and for your honesty and knowledge:) I will be writing on this subject again soon. I'm becoming more passionate about it as the country opens their eyes. It's nice to see more people opening up to this. You're so right, it shouldn't even be labeled a drug.
Good hub. I also am completely dumbfounded by the lack of mature and honest debate concerning this issue.
Every single major study EVER done on marijuana have all arrived at the same conclusion, it is relatively harmless and criminalizing it does more harm than to the user than the drug itself. One major hurdle to overcome is that if marijuana were to be legalized then that would require a rescheduling of it under todays current drug laws.(U.S.)
It currently classified as a schedule 1 drug meaning it has no recognized or accepted medicinal efficacy.
I don't think the DEA want to admit the error of their creator, Nixon, and end up with egg on their face. You also bring up the very real issue of the pharmaceutical company's standing in the way of legalization.
Thanks for citing you references, there is another hubber who when I asked for his references supporting his outlandish claims he responded by removing my comments, especially ones that linked to recent research into medical marijuana.
So kudos to you for showing the supporting documentation.
As far as addiction the distinction MUST be made between psychological dependence and physiological addiction. Marijuana is not physically addictive but some individuals can become dependent on it.
johnwindbell--Thanks for writing mate! Glad you enjoyed and hope to chat with you more in the future:)
kpinker2--Nice to meet you hon! Thanks for reading and liking:) Hugs
It should be legal. Totally Agree!
Goodness, where have I been. You published this months ago.
And you started hubbin around when I did. Sorry I haven't commented sooner ....you give great hub too !
Goodness, where have I been. You published this ....oh, I said that already...(snicker)
Write-on
I don't think it's sad:) Thanks for reading SonOfStoner. I always appreciate and welcome comments, thank you:)
Yes, it's sad but true.
Ben--you're so sweet and honest. Thank you for reading and sharing with us. You're right about the "advertising" thing. I've smoked MJ but I don't talk about it. I never carry it with me anywhere and I only do so by myself or with one friend. And you're right, it's not proper to talk about it but I guess being open about yourself isn't the worst trait either....you're a good friend, maybe you can tell your friends how you feel but if you think you'd benefit by not saying anything, it's up to you. Otherwise, I wish you and your friends the best. Hugs
Hmm. Every time I research this topic, which I do just out of curiosity, I'm convinced again that theres nothing wrong with marijuana, and that it can be helpful. However after a week or so, I find myself again feeling mad with my friends who smoke. I don't know why. Maybe its just all that I hear from the "mass media" per-se. And its also the way people talk about it. Often they'll just try and advertise the fact that they smoke so they can be all "rebellious" or whatnot. Damn stupid if you ask me, it makes no sense. I think its the sort of thing they should keep sincerely to themselves, and only smoke, you know, when needed. I have a friend who smokes way too much and she ended up really moody all the time, with bad acne, and generally a lot meaner now. That's what really turns me off to marijuana. Anyways, even if I know I may not try it myself, I'll try to keep my mind open to its positive aspects. Thanks for the info.
CODeist--Thanks so much for your comment! I'm sorry that you suffer with nerve pain, but I'm so happy to hear that MJ helped you. Some people may assume that I'm an advocate because I'm a "pothead" but that is far from the truth. Why do people think the government is trying to pass the bill? Because it's needed:) Thanks for reading!
Great article. MMJ helped me quit taking Neurotin for nerve pain.
I know, I feel that this is going to be a new revolution:) I'm excited! Thanks for reading, it's nice to see you again belief!
Wow - yeah, and just look at your poll numbers. It's 100% pro legalization. Granted, only 9 people voted, but still....
JG--I didn't see your hub on this subject, I'll head over there now:) Not only do I have medical statistics (or lack thereof) and facts, but I'm a willing participant:) People can think what they want about me. Pot has not changed my energy level, intellect, or ability one iota! For other people it may be different but I am living proof that pot CAN help in curbing anxiety and body aches and pains. I have a bad back from a car accident, herniated discs (siatica nerves). They do have a new process for assisting in the management of pain and possibly separating the discs, but if you cannot afford your own physical therapy equipment or surgery, pot IS truly the next best thing! Again, I'm living proof.
Not to mention the financial benefits for the country!!! Thanks for reading JG:)
MM--I do agree that some people can become addicted to marijuana, I've seen it. But to be completely honest with you (I'm obviously NOT a doctor), I think it's the reason behind the drug that takes over a person, not the drug itself. I'm on your side totally, trust me, my ex can't do anything without being addicted to it. Me, on the other hand, I can go weeks without a cigarette and I've gone months or years without drinking. So each case is different for sure, but it's no different than pharmaceutical drugs that not everyone is susceptible to.
Just my opinion. I definitely think people should be able to decide if they want to use it or not, meanwhile giving America another source of jobs and money:) It's a win-win! Great to see you again MM:)
Excellent hub, Miss JamieD. I agree that marijuana should be legalized for the same reasons that alcohol and tobacco are legalized. I agree with CS Alexis that done correctly, there would be job creation and money flowing into the government from taxes.
On the other hand, it IS possible to become addicted to weed. I work with women all the time who are in rehab and their drug of choice is marijuana. My son has been in rehab 4 times and his drug of choice has always been weed (which he was unable to control his use of). If you happen to have the addictive personality type, any substance that alters your mood will do. The pot that is being grown for medicinal purposes is mega strong.
But is that a reason to make criminals out of people who could benefit from it medically? NO! Is that a reason to make criminals out of people who want to relax with a joint with their glass of wine? NO. If they can handle it, they should be able to.
JamaGenee -- Which America are you talking about? Progressive? We are so NOT progressive in any possible way. I think the Puritans are still alive and living here! MM
My thoughts exactly! Just last week a a non-pot user friend tried to convince me pot is addictive by spouting the same BS that's keeping it from being legalized. If you've read my own hub on legalizing, you *know* I straightened her out in no time, because I could back up what I said with FACTS. She couldn't. I have *no* doubt that pot will be legalized in my lifetime. Not only for the health benefits of pot, but so that growing hemp will finally be legal too. And America calls itself "progressive". Puhlease.....
There are so many positive outcomes to be had. You are absolutely right:)
I believe that the income that could be made from taxation and jobs would make it worth legalization.
GeorgieLotte 7 months ago
Backing up claims its not a pyshical dependancy from weed like with alocohol and cigarettes it can become a psychological dependancy, and yes ppl who already have 'emotional' issues can suffer from smoking cannabis. But any damage cannabis has caused has been caused a trillion times over and then some by alcohol/cigarettes yet these are legal and i dont see ppl screaming out to have them criminalised. I have used for pain releif as i have a chronic pain condition and after 8yrs of doing it the doctors way with synthetic addictive drugs that i have wicked withdrawal from am considering going back to using, when using cannabis i personally cant drive it affects me to much but i knew ppl who could drive. To me that should fall under same law as alcohol no driving while under the influence.I also firmly beleive under 21's shouldnt be able to smoke cannabis as their brains are still developing and thats when 'emotional/psychologial' problems can be caused by cannabis also in those that suffer with bi-polar, and split personality disorders and similar psychologial illness. I do not however beleive that cannabis causes these illnesses i beleive that they already exist in the person. Yet ppl are allowed to drink alcohol which causes far more damage both pyshically and psychologically than cannabis ever has done or would. My personal opinion of why governments wont legalise LOST revenue they can TAX alcohol n cigarettes and the people addicted to them, but worry they wont have same control with cannabis. They are happy enough to tax alcohol and cigarettes not realsing especially in UK that all the tax they get doesnt cover the cost to the NHS of damage alcohol n cigarettes cause, they spend millions more trying to get these people well and treating their addictions than they receive in tax, stupid 'reality' that it is !