I'm sure it has nothing to do with taxation.
I don't smoke it (though some of my friends do). Is there something about it that the government won't tell us?
I just can't comprehend why cigarettes, alcohol, acetaminophen and naproxen (all products with detrimental health effects) are freely available to the public and regulated by the government. Especially considering the positive impact that pot can have on your health.
Is it because it's hallucanigenic? Or is it some other reason?
2006-11-04 15:02:28 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Well, marijuana isn't hallucinogenic...at least not normally.
My theories are a) racism b) the cotton and pharmaceutical lobby/taxation
Racism--- Marijuana originally was a drug for blacks and just like Jim Crow laws, it was another way to stick it to 'em. If you look through history, drugs only become illegal in America when associated w/ a minority group. Take opium for instance...was enjoyed by Americans until the Chinese came to Cali to build the RR. White men became worried that the Chinese men were seducing white women in their opium dens...so, they made it illegal as a mechanism of oppression.
Lobbyists- Well, hemp is a wonderfully strong material and much more durable than cotton...and marijuana being herbal and something you could grow yourself means that pharmaceutical companies can't profit on.
There is no good reason why marijuana is illegal, especially for medical use when oxycontin/morphine which can be deadly and is highly addictive is widely used. It is so hypocritical. Marijuana has been proven to treat glaucoma, and is a great pain reliever/appetite stimulant for cancer patients.
FYI: Teen drug use is lower in Amsterdam where everything is legal than is in the US. Makes you wonder who are laws are trying to protect because it sure isn't you and I.
Good question, by the way.
2006-11-04 15:14:01 · answer #1 · answered by ♥austingirl♥ 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The real reason Marijuana is illegal is it can not be taxed. It is a weed. I agree with the paragraph about all the items listed detrimental to the health.
I can not understand anyone getting busted for Marijuana when alcohol and tobacco is legal!
2006-11-04 15:09:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Like with alcohol, you are not in complete control of your reactions and that my friend kills people, just like drinking and driving. Also, it can't be controlled by any amount to tell what impairment would be, as each person reacts to it differently, like many other drugs, including some over the counter medications. I don't have anything against someone smoking it at all, but they can get just as "wasted" if not more than someone who has been drinking. I don't think the government is keeping anything from us, I believe it's just that the government can't put a "control" on it so it can't be legalized for public use, like prescription drugs, you can have them with a prescription but only for a limited time and then the doctor is in charge of regulating the amount you are allowed to have so it's not only safe for you but for others that you are around or have to operate a vehicle or machinery.
2006-11-04 15:17:12 · answer #3 · answered by robotchic 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Because the government can't tax it. Period.
You want proof? How many people die from cigarettes, alcohol, huffing glue or paint, or any other chemical that's readily available and legal to own? Millions. How many people, in history, have died because of marijuana? *ONE*. To say that it's illegal because of it's effects on smokers is just ridiculous and, frankly, insulting to the intelligence of the American people.
2006-11-04 15:15:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
dont get me started on this lol i dont smoke it either but i know alot of people who do .. and while im not saying it should or shouldnt be leagal i am with you on the alcohol thing my husband is an alcoholic and believe me i would much rather it be illegal it causes more problems in this world then anything else i hate it. it causes people to change to be butt heads, to wreck and kill people ect... i think it is a messed up deal too
2006-11-04 15:07:55 · answer #5 · answered by crazyme 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
First off, to the best of my knowledge, Pot is not a hallucanigenic!
Second, it has everything to do with the governments ability to tax or not the use of such!
Pot has been around for10's of thousands of years (if not more). It does not (IMHO) lead to stronger drug usage. Although this is possible, it is not likely.
IMHO,
The Ol' Sasquatch Ü
2006-11-04 15:23:52 · answer #6 · answered by Ol' Sasquatch 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The feds are afraid that if marijuana ever became legal, there would be a severe shortage of snack cakes such as twinkies & ho-hos.
It would also put a strain on all Taco Bell drive throughs.
This, of course, could be disasterous.
2006-11-04 15:12:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
It is illegal because the tabacco industry made it illegal because it was affriad of competetion. I am serious, marijuanna became illegal in 1937 because the tabacco producers were scared of competition.
2006-11-04 15:07:51 · answer #8 · answered by Chaoi 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
because A) it is easy to grow
B) it will /can grow anywhere
C) growing unregulated the govt would not recieve taxes
D) the beer/alcohol people would be hurt financially
E) the federal govt has too many other problems
2006-11-04 15:08:10 · answer #9 · answered by hiding1959 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
it has everything to do with taxation. as soon as the government figures out how to make money off it, it will be legal.
2006-11-04 15:13:07 · answer #10 · answered by louise t 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋