2006-11-08 10:55:37 · 9 answers · asked by mandeep p 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The first step in drug addiction is picking up a cigarette.
MJ is NOT a narcotic.
MJ is NOT physically addictive.
MJ is FAR less dangerous than alcohol and cigarettes
MJ destresses the body, which is good for the heart and a few dozen other parts of the body.
Why it's illegal dates back to 20's and 30's, and every argument the lawmakers gave had a racist slant to it. That's why it became illegal.
It remains illegal today because Pharma and alcohol lobbiest want it to remain illegal.
They don't want you drug free, they just want you doing THEIR drugs that put massive amounts of dollars into THEIR pockets. If you could grow your own, you'd be FAR less likely to run to the 7-11 to get a sixer.
2006-11-08 11:17:23 · answer #1 · answered by Manny 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Good question: difficult answer. I would probably argue that the assumed association of marijuana with certain subcultures which were subject to official disapproval caused it to be officially identified as deviant activity. It isn't illegal simply as it is potentially harmful: alcohol and tobacco are hugely more harmful, and while some links have been made to certain forms of psychosis, the occurance of this is limited to a very small proportion of users. On a harm basis, it would make more sense to criminalize peanuts as some people suffer from peanut allergies that can kill.
Addiction? There is no evidence of physical addiction: there could be a social addiction - if you hang around with dope smokers, you get 'addicted' to that lifestyle - but that can happen with any behaviour.
Gateway drug? Marijuana leading to harder drugs. Not borne out by the evidence: yes most people who have used heroin for example have smoked grass, but most people who have attended university have smoked grass: you wouldn't suggest marijuana leads to getting a degree would you (Or would you? ;-). If there is a causal relationship, it is almost certainly caused by the process prohibition of marijuana making the sale of it being controlled by the same people who control hard drugs ie. organised criminality.
2006-11-08 19:05:39 · answer #2 · answered by hallam_blue 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you look at the history of Marijuana you see that its criminalisation was primarily due to the subculture that used it being viewed as unacceptable by the law makers and elite society and the mythos that surrounded the drug. There was no scientific basis for banning or restricting the use of the drug. It was a drug largely ignored by the ruling classes and welcomed by the lower classes. The laws were passed based on false assumptions regarding criminality, mental problems associated with use, gateway to other drugs etc. The fact is, however, that those who passed the laws had grown up in a society where drugs like Cocaine and morphine were accepteable in their Elite circles.
2006-11-09 04:17:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
marijuana was declared an illegal drug, during the Korean War (1952 or1953) at the behest of the AMA. there was some speculation that the main push came from drug companies. how can you patent, over charge for and tax something that grows wild? try to put a tax on weeds (no pun intended) that grow wild in a yard or field.
2006-11-08 19:46:05 · answer #4 · answered by ron m 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it is a dangerous drug. I have worked with people in a special home in SA and i have seen plenty of brain-dead people there. Some were totally mad, all because off smoking dagga [marijuana], don't let anyone convince you it is harmless. You might end up in a wheelchair with drool dripping down your chin. Trues Bob, i am being as serious as i can get. Dont ever use that stuff, it is bad and addictive.
2006-11-08 18:59:36 · answer #5 · answered by Duisend-poot 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
look at norml site and cannabis culture marijuana policy project is very good to all the info you wantcops like it because its a nice saf job arresting stoners real crimnals soot back most cops are cowards . trial lawyers love it it pays the bills .politicians are just retarded
2006-11-08 19:25:12 · answer #6 · answered by eldoradoman1953 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
cigarettes and alcohol have large TAX burdens on them how can you tax a plant that everyone can grow quite easily?
It is all about money at the end of the day!
2006-11-09 07:11:52 · answer #7 · answered by ryanlc64 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a NARCOTIC, and therefore a controlled substance. It is the first step into drug addiction
2006-11-08 19:06:33 · answer #8 · answered by Derek B 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
ITS A DANGEROUS DRUG. CALLED DOPE FOR A REASON-IT MAKES YOU REAL SMART.
DESTROYS LIVES-TAKES AWAY EVERYTHING A PERSON HAS.
EVEN LOGIC.
2006-11-08 19:18:03 · answer #9 · answered by cork 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋