More Clearly, why are cigarettes allowed when they end up hurting people? Why the double standard?
If it is money, then why cigar is good and... weed isn't?
2007-01-23 07:29:53 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
The tobacco lobby...its huge.
GBY
2007-01-23 07:37:26 · answer #1 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Weed was originally "banned" under lobby pressure from the paper pulp industry that owned hundreds of logging companies under the excuses of "it makes black men look at our white women" and "it makes black men think they are as good as a white man". Either way they used racism to push through legislation to eliminate industrial competition.
I quote banned because under the Harrison tax act, taxes were levied against it and no way was provided to pay the tax. The federal government knew full well that it did not have the constitutional authority to ban weed (states rights), so it effectively banned the substance because if you grew or sold it, you were guilty of tax evasion.
So, why was tobacco not banned? There was no industrial use for tobacco products that were up against a less profitable competitor.
As far as the rest of the drugs, they fell victim of religious intolerance and were illegalized to placate the Christians who pretend to be the moral authority on how everyone is to live their lives.
They tried to do this with alcohol (prohibition) but alcohol was way too popular and was legalized once more.
2007-01-23 15:41:16 · answer #2 · answered by sprcpt 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nothing distinguishes tobacco from weed, or alcohol. It's just that so many people are making so much money right now off of tobacco and alcohol in this country - and these drugs are and always have been so deeply entrenched in our culture - that it'd be pretty impossible to ban them. Though, to be fair, they really should be. Alcohol is a _far_ more dangerous drug than pot, and it destroys the body in ways that pot never could.
That said, I'd rather they just legalized pot to make things even. 'Cause I really need a drink now and then, and tonight's looking like one of those times.
2007-01-23 15:45:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tobacco does not normally befuddle the mind as much as alcohol and boo. Nonetheless, it is slowly being legislated out of use by state and local regulations.
Reactions to mind-altering substances range from permissive to demanding the death penalty for users. Why?
Because a few of us are irresponsible with automobiles, we do not outlaw their use entirely. The same applies to firearms. There will always be that 10% of the population who will fail to deal with life in moderation and step over the line when it comes to acceptable behaviour. These are the dunderheads who cause the rest of us to have to suffer the results of overregulation.
When the government prohibits the use of a sustance it is, in effect, removing the power of choice from the citizenry. Choice is an inherent part of freedom - so THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN. We can accept that some regulatory policies may have to be implemented, but NOT to the degree that the power of choice is virtually negated.
Many of our laws are not intended to protect the average citizen. They are enacted to provide protection to various special industries. For example, what industry would be in favor of helmet laws, seat belt laws, air bags, and non-smoking?? Could it be the insurance companies who want to impose these restraints on our power of choice so that they won't have to pay out so many insurance claims - and thereby increase their profitability???
2007-01-23 17:02:01 · answer #4 · answered by Huero 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Interesting, isn't it?
Cigarettes are allowed because the tobacco industry makes a lot of money, and throws a lot of it around the halls of congress.
If most of the cocaine were grown in the US, coke might be legal.
The tobacco industry is being hurt by america's new anti smoking policy, but part of the arrangement is that they now have access to all of CHINA! And everybody there smokes!
You don't want to mess with pot or tobacco. They're both pretty bad.
2007-01-23 15:40:39 · answer #5 · answered by John K 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
weed would infringe on the profits of many other companies most people wouldnt relate "smoking" to .... weed has many industrial uses that would negatively impact the paper industry, the lumber industry and many others ... thats why its illegal period end of story .... other high-cash drugs are actually controlled in large part as an economy booster and to finance many of the govts operations ... the "they care about us so they dont want us to use the big bad drugs" theory doesnt cut it to a realistic thinker ..
2007-01-23 15:39:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Instead of asking why cigarettes aren't illegal...ask yourself why drugs ARE illegal.
Then look into it and do some research. You will be amazed at what you find out!
2007-01-23 15:37:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Simple (money)
2007-01-26 22:46:14 · answer #8 · answered by rebel 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look at this way. If Corn Flakes caused cancer, would we still be able to buy Corn Flakes. I think not!!!!
2007-01-23 15:48:07 · answer #9 · answered by cwigg 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋