I think probably one of the big problems is that Marijauna goes all the way back to the 70's when it first became popular (well known at least) in America when people who were anti-war peace-movers (Commonly referred to as Hippy's) were seen using the drug regularly and since then has just gained a worse and worse reputation.
That being said, a lot of the people in the government now are middle-aged to elderly men/women, who have all experience the "Hippy's" movement against the government and I think a lot of them associated that with the Cannabis itself. Not saying this is the SOLE and only reason for it, but I think that it has gone downhill from there.
Marijauna is also portrayed as a dangerous drug, in television, magazines, the newspaper, etc. The media is common to sell people lies so I'm not going to act like it's a bigger deal than it is. I do, however, think it to be ridiculous how ignorant a large portion of America is due simply to that which magazines and newspapers print. (Sorry I'm gonna ramble for a second, this is off topic) I don't think it fair nor decent of the media to fill people with lies, and it is much worse than many of us think. I did not realize until recently how much editing is done on models in magazines, or how much exaggeration is put into a news story. On the model thing: Taking a beautiful girl and adding a half an inch to her breasts and taking a half an inch from her waist does hardly anything for the picture, yet it encourages many teenage girls to starve themselves in false hopes of losing weight. It is proven that starving yourself in the purpose of losing weight is more hurtful than helpful and many girls who do that fall very far in the wrong direction, ending in obesity or anorexia. This generally leads to more psychological problems as well, including depression and anger management. (Back on topic now, sorry for that rage) It is generally assumed that media can be trusted, so when a magazine prints "Marijauna KILLS", people say "Oh shit! Marijauna kills you!" Of course this is not a literal example, but the message is the same and provides an example to the fact that much of the bashing of Marijauna DOES in fact come from the media. Yes, media also demotes the use of other drugs but you are more likely to see a news report on Marijauna causing problems then you are to see tobacco. The fact is: Tobacco is a POISON (nicotine), alcohol is a POISON, Marijauna has no poison material in it nor can it cause an overdose. 2 sips of grain alcohol is enough to blind or paralyze a man, while any amount of Marijauna can be consumed without any permanent side effects. It is true that the acts you do while under the influence of Marijauna may be unruly but that can be said tenfold over the other two potential drugs mentioned.
No Medical Documents nor any Scientific Researches have proven or given even a possibility that Marijauna kills brain cells or destroys organs. That was a common misconception at some point and many still believe it to be true. This is probably because of the "laid back" look a person has while under the influence of weed. This "laid back" or "lazy eyed" look is from the relaxing of the muscles, you feel less tense and I can say personally that the feeling is incredible. This feeling comes from the THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) in the Marijauna, it is the substance that provides the muscle relaxant and euphoria (intense feelings of happiness or well being). It also causes simple things like faded vision and wooziness. This is why it is used as a Medical Drug. Another common misconception is the idea that Marijauna is addictive. This has ALSO been proven incorrect, there is no physical need of the body for Marijauna once consumed. When addicted to a drug or toxin, the body has a physical crave for that substance. Marijauna does NOT do that, the only reason people continue to use it is for the feeling you get and the safe feeling that you will not become addicted. I haven't smoked in nearly a month and feel no need to, however next time I get the chance I certainly will.
Marijauna is also a major gang drug, mostly because it's awesome and easy to grow, so now it is stereotyped that Marijauna causes gang violence. I actually did watch a politician try to make that argument. Of course the flaw in his argument was simple; Marijauna only causes gang problems because of the fact it is illegal and needs to be smuggled, if it were to be legalized and sold in stores there would be much less gang violence. Along with this topic it is also a fact that some growers of the plant have been known to infect the substance sold with poisons. Don't ask me why this has been done but nearly 600,000 people have had rat poison put in their weed from a dealer, this is why it is crucial that you buy from a trusted person who either grows himself or knows the grower well. Or the solution could just be to legalize it, but there are downsides to legalization as well.
That also leads to a good point. If the government were to legalize it, they would immediately go for a profit. What's the best way to do that? Make it addictive, grow in differently (using genetics) and make it addictive (Which it is not, contrary to common belief). I think that if it were to be legalized it would still be illegal to privately grow simply because America would want to make their profit from it. I would probably still buy off of my dealers (Saying they kept business going) simply because I would want natural weed. If all else fails I would grow it myself.
So honestly, in some cases, it is almost good it is illegal. Not saying that it is justice nor am I saying I agree with it, I would be pleased if they were to legalize pot, I just don't know what they would do with it, seeing as the government is (90% of the time) after money.
Thoughts?
