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Alcohol kills 100,000/yr.....Pot has killed 0 since the beginning of time!

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By MissJamieD


Know what it looks like?

Amsterdam Cafe...marijuana has been legal there for years and their crime rate is better than ours!
Amsterdam Cafe...marijuana has been legal there for years and their crime rate is better than ours!

Why Not Legalize Marijuana....Dude

Okay, I've spent days and days researching the pros and cons of marijuana use. I'm extremely exhausted (not from smoking pot either...right now anyway) by the - VERY few - but detrimentally misguided exerpts from people who simply don't like weed, have never tried it, or were conditioned by snooty society to look down upon it.

After intensely studying hundreds upon hundreds of opinions, the same realities presented themselves in living color! It is blatantly obvious to me that the majority of Americans are ready to pass the Marijuana Legalization bill, for many different reasons and afflictions.

Literally millions (approx 40%-50%) of Americans polled in the last couple of years on this subject, users or non-users, believe it's absolutely ubsurd that the government continues to ignore this. But for many of us it's no surprise. Government, Corporate America, and Pharmaceutical companies have NO intention on researching, let alone legalizing marijuana because it would cost all of THEM money! If it was legal more people would use it (especially medicinally) because it's free. They could grow their own. They'd have no need for chock-full-of-side-effects prescriptions that they can't afford. What would happen if half the amount of people (or more) stopped going to the doctor for these overrated and laughably FDA approved medications? Well, the government and medical professions would suffer huge financial loss, that's what.

I read story after story on the medical benefits. Many forms of cancer, Glaucoma, AIDS, diabetes, neuropathic problems, migraines, joint pain, and spinal injuries patients are proven to benefit from a little weed. There is also a pill form of THC that some patients are given, to eliminate the side effects of smoking it. 

Outside of the medical marijuana issues, there's always the argument that alcohol and tobacco have more side effects than pot. Prohibition was lifted for a reason, everybody wanted it to be. But it wasn't a hinderance to the corporate and medical world at that time either.You can research hundreds of sites on the subject and you'll hear the same thing. The proof is in the pudding. There are 100,000 deaths a year where alcohol is a factor. There are 400,000 deaths a year from tobacco related illnesses....funny, there are NO deaths reported where marijuana was the cause. NONE! IN ALL OF HISTORY!

Besides medical use (for pain), another HUGE group of users suffer with anxiety or depression. Me included. I'm living proof (along with millions of other Americans) that it's one of very few methods of relaxation, mentally or physically. I don't smoke it and then sit on the couch with donuts and a bag of greasy chips. It actually helps me concentrate and makes house-cleaning much more fun!

So, let's all gather in a circle and get this taken care of. It is pertinent that we legalize marijuana for medical uses, so that people don't have to suffer. Hundreds, if not thousands of people say that they've tried every other pain pill on the market for their afflictions, but none helped them. Pot did! And since this is the land of the free, shouldn't people be able to decide for themselves what they can and want to take to improve their quality of life?

Oh yeah, let's not forget that we're talking about a natural herb that God gave us.

Please, support the cause. I'll be adding my own petition to legalize marijuana in the next couple of days....check back often and make sure to sign it:)

Peace out dudes


References to statistics:

1. http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/56753/

2. http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/05/24/marijuana-researchers-make-progress-in-the-lab-but-not-in-washington/?apage=2

3. http://www.salem-news.com/articles/november082007/pot_youth_11707.php

4. http://www.cannabismd.net/analgesia/

pot

Are you high?

Do you think marijuana should be legalized?

  • Yes, but only for medical use
  • Yes
  • No
See results without voting

Comments

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C.S.Alexis profile image

C.S.Alexis  says:
9 months ago

I believe that the income that could be made from taxation and jobs would make it worth legalization.

MissJamieD profile image

MissJamieD  says:
9 months ago

There are so many positive outcomes to be had. You are absolutely right:)

JamaGenee profile image

JamaGenee  says:
7 months ago

My thoughts exactly! Just last week a a non-pot user friend tried to convince me pot is addictive by spouting the same BS that's keeping it from being legalized. If you've read my own hub on legalizing, you *know* I straightened her out in no time, because I could back up what I said with FACTS. She couldn't. I have *no* doubt that pot will be legalized in my lifetime. Not only for the health benefits of pot, but so that growing hemp will finally be legal too. And America calls itself "progressive". Puhlease.....

Mighty Mom profile image

Mighty Mom  says:
7 months ago

Excellent hub, Miss JamieD. I agree that marijuana should be legalized for the same reasons that alcohol and tobacco are legalized. I agree with CS Alexis that done correctly, there would be job creation and money flowing into the government from taxes.

On the other hand, it IS possible to become addicted to weed. I work with women all the time who are in rehab and their drug of choice is marijuana. My son has been in rehab 4 times and his drug of choice has always been weed (which he was unable to control his use of). If you happen to have the addictive personality type, any substance that alters your mood will do. The pot that is being grown for medicinal purposes is mega strong.

But is that a reason to make criminals out of people who could benefit from it medically? NO! Is that a reason to make criminals out of people who want to relax with a joint with their glass of wine? NO. If they can handle it, they should be able to.

JamaGenee -- Which America are you talking about? Progressive? We are so NOT progressive in any possible way. I think the Puritans are still alive and living here! MM

MissJamieD profile image

MissJamieD  says:
7 months ago

JG--I didn't see your hub on this subject, I'll head over there now:) Not only do I have medical statistics (or lack thereof) and facts, but I'm a willing participant:) People can think what they want about me. Pot has not changed my energy level, intellect, or ability one iota! For other people it may be different but I am living proof that pot CAN help in curbing anxiety and body aches and pains.  I have a bad back from a car accident, herniated discs (siatica nerves). They do have a new process for assisting in the management of pain and possibly separating the discs, but if you cannot afford your own physical therapy equipment or surgery, pot IS truly the next best thing! Again, I'm living proof.

Not to mention the financial benefits for the country!!! Thanks for reading JG:)

MM--I do agree that some people can become addicted to marijuana, I've seen it. But to be completely honest with you (I'm obviously NOT a doctor), I think it's the reason behind the drug that takes over a person, not the drug itself. I'm on your side totally, trust me, my ex can't do anything without being addicted to it. Me, on the other hand, I can go weeks without a cigarette and I've gone months or years without drinking. So each case is different for sure, but it's no different than pharmaceutical drugs that not everyone is susceptible to.

Just my opinion. I definitely think people should be able to decide if they want to use it or not, meanwhile giving America another source of jobs and money:) It's a win-win! Great to see you again MM:)

belief713 profile image

belief713  says:
7 months ago

Wow - yeah, and just look at your poll numbers. It's 100% pro legalization. Granted, only 9 people voted, but still....

MissJamieD profile image

MissJamieD  says:
7 months ago

I know, I feel that this is going to be a new revolution:) I'm excited! Thanks for reading, it's nice to see you again belief!

CODeist profile image

CODeist  says:
7 months ago

Great article. MMJ helped me quit taking Neurotin for nerve pain.

MissJamieD profile image

MissJamieD  says:
7 months ago

CODeist--Thanks so much for your comment! I'm sorry that you suffer with nerve pain, but I'm so happy to hear that MJ helped you. Some people may assume that I'm an advocate because I'm a "pothead" but that is far from the truth. Why do people think the government is trying to pass the bill? Because it's needed:) Thanks for reading!

Ben  says:
6 months ago

Hmm. Every time I research this topic, which I do just out of curiosity, I'm convinced again that theres nothing wrong with marijuana, and that it can be helpful. However after a week or so, I find myself again feeling mad with my friends who smoke. I don't know why. Maybe its just all that I hear from the "mass media" per-se. And its also the way people talk about it. Often they'll just try and advertise the fact that they smoke so they can be all "rebellious" or whatnot. Damn stupid if you ask me, it makes no sense. I think its the sort of thing they should keep sincerely to themselves, and only smoke, you know, when needed. I have a friend who smokes way too much and she ended up really moody all the time, with bad acne, and generally a lot meaner now. That's what really turns me off to marijuana. Anyways, even if I know I may not try it myself, I'll try to keep my mind open to its positive aspects. Thanks for the info.

MissJamieD profile image

MissJamieD  says:
6 months ago

Ben--you're so sweet and honest. Thank you for reading and sharing with us. You're right about the "advertising" thing. I've smoked MJ but I don't talk about it. I never carry it with me anywhere and I only do so by myself or with one friend. And you're right, it's not proper to talk about it but I guess being open about yourself isn't the worst trait either....you're a good friend, maybe you can tell your friends how you feel but if you think you'd benefit by not saying anything, it's up to you. Otherwise, I wish you and your friends the best. Hugs

SonofStoner  says:
4 months ago

Yes, it's sad but true.

MissJamieD profile image

MissJamieD  says:
4 months ago

I don't think it's sad:) Thanks for reading SonOfStoner. I always appreciate and welcome comments, thank you:)

johnwindbell profile image

johnwindbell  says:
2 months ago

Goodness, where have I been. You published this months ago.

And you started hubbin around when I did. Sorry I haven't commented sooner ....you give great hub too !

Goodness, where have I been. You published this ....oh, I said that already...(snicker)

Write-on

kpinker2 profile image

kpinker2  says:
6 weeks ago

It should be legal. Totally Agree!

MissJamieD profile image

MissJamieD  says:
5 weeks ago

johnwindbell--Thanks for writing mate! Glad you enjoyed and hope to chat with you more in the future:)

kpinker2--Nice to meet you hon! Thanks for reading and liking:) Hugs

PB_Smith profile image

PB_Smith  says:
4 weeks ago

Good hub. I also am completely dumbfounded by the lack of mature and honest debate concerning this issue.

Every single major study EVER done on marijuana have all arrived at the same conclusion, it is relatively harmless and criminalizing it does more harm than to the user than the drug itself. One major hurdle to overcome is that if marijuana were to be legalized then that would require a rescheduling of it under todays current drug laws.(U.S.)

It currently classified as a schedule 1 drug meaning it has no recognized or accepted medicinal efficacy.

I don't think the DEA want to admit the error of their creator, Nixon, and end up with egg on their face. You also bring up the very real issue of the pharmaceutical company's standing in the way of legalization.

Thanks for citing you references, there is another hubber who when I asked for his references supporting his outlandish claims he responded by removing my comments, especially ones that linked to recent research into medical marijuana.

So kudos to you for showing the supporting documentation.

As far as addiction the distinction MUST be made between psychological dependence and physiological addiction. Marijuana is not physically addictive but some individuals can become dependent on it.

MissJamieD profile image

MissJamieD  says:
3 weeks ago

PB--Very well said. Thank you for reading and for your honesty and knowledge:) I will be writing on this subject again soon. I'm becoming more passionate about it as the country opens their eyes. It's nice to see more people opening up to this. You're so right, it shouldn't even be labeled a drug.

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