why is marijuana still illegal in this country?

Question

I'd be happy if it was regulated and taxed......I'd happily buy a pack of marijuana cigarettes.

Answer 1

Actually the people who are helping to keep it illegal are the tobacco companies. They knew that if pot was legalized, then they'd loose sales to marijuana. They don't want anyone reaching into their pocket. Go ahead and research it.

I will ring your doorbell and run away!!!

Answer 2

You can find a good short history of why it was outlawed in the first place at http://druglibrary.org/schaffer/History/whiteb1.htm

or see http://druglibrary.org/schaffer/Library/mj_outlawed.htm

It was originally outlawed because of racism, ignorance, and nonsense. If you read those histories, you will probably just laugh at how stupid it all was.

Why is it STILL illegal? Primarily because it became useful for Harry Anslinger in feathering his own bureaucratic nest. As a result of his own campaign, there grew up a series of industries (such as prisons, drug testing, toys for cops, etc.) which now have a financial stake in the illegality of marijuana.

That, and the fact that Anslinger did a wonderful job of spreading Reefer Madness -- so much so that lots of people still believe that it will make your incisors grow six inches long and drip with blood. (Actual court testimony of the US Official Expert on marijuana. See the history above.)

You can find numerous historical references on the subject at http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/History/history.htm

Answer 3

Be cause they cannot tax it. That's why. It actually was legal all the way up to Prohibition. The military uses it to make tents, uniforms, and ropes. The Catholic bibles are printed on Hemp paper. George Washington and several other Famous For-Fathers grew it. It's not a drug, but an herb. They had to find and search for a chemical in a plant to call it a drug. Well then, it seems that we are all drug addicts because all vegetables are plants and all plants have chemicals in them, and chemicals are considered drugs, so we are all drug addicts.

Answer 4

Because the average voter doesn't know diddly about marijuana, they still believe it causes addition and crime. Its also the only illegal drug that can be tested for after 24 hours. I always laugh when I see those drug free workplace signs. Like they are safe from the ravages of marijuana users.

Answer 5

Because it is very much more profitable for the government and the drug dealers to keep it illegal.

What behavior of a marijuana user justify's putting them in prison. I can understand putting violent people and people who steal in jail. But the worst thing you can do to a person is put them in jail. So what did the person who uses a recreational chemical do to justify putting them in jail? Nothing, they are just a victim of a government scam to keep hemp from competing economically with trees as a source of cellulose for paper, plastics, fabric and self-medication.

Answer 6

Because it is associated with black folks. Alcohol with white people. Historically, grass was the choice of black people like jazz musicians. You are right, it is far less harmful than booze, but white people made big money out of booze so it was legal but marijuana was illegal because it was for the darker skinned people. This is not a legal issue or a health issue: it is just good old fashioned racism institutionalized into our society.

Answer 7

If it was regulated and taxed it would be manufactured and full of evil chemicals like cigarettes and there would be restrictions on the buzz level like alcohol percent restrictions. If you want to keep it organic and worthwhile, it has to stay underground!

Answer 8

Because it's stupid, destructive and is for potheads. I assure you wholeheartedly that people are NOT falling for the "regulated and taxed" sales pitch.

The people attemting that gave it everything they had to get it passed in Nevada (you know, the state that even has gambling). Many slick TV commercials ect, and it was still voted down big time. The residents in this state are not stupid and not easily fooled. They saw right through it.

Answer 9

you're not the only one who thinks that it should be legalized....i think the government should legalize it because think of it this way... aren't alcohol and cigarrettes considered a gateway drug too? besides, people will find ways to get marijuana anyways...i think that the government needs to loosen up.

Answer 10

it's technically illegal, but in places like new york city and california, you could smoke a blunt right next to a cop and all he'll do is take it away from you and won't really do anything (you could have a whole box of it in the backseat and you just tell the cop that you don't and he'll walk away).

reason for that being, cops in places with high crime rates have bigger things on their hands than catching stoners and giving them bigger sentences than murderers and rapists.