Pubdate: Tue, 07 Dec 2010 Source: Flyer News (U of Dayton, OH Edu) Copyright: 2010 Flyer News Contact: http://www.flyernews.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4399 Note: Accepts LTEs from students, faculty, staff and alumni only. Author: Christine Olding WEEDING OUT EXCUSES FOR ILLEGALITY Marijuana. Pot. Cannabis. Mary Jane. The list of names can go on and on. This drug has been a main focus in the War on Drugs since the Regan presidency. It's a drug that the majority of Americans have tried and yet still is a source of much debate. Fourteen states now have legalized the drug for medicinal use. Marijuana is said to help patients suffering from epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS, among a multitude of other medical conditions. The only state that has attempted to legalize the drug completely is California; however, Proposition 19 failed in the 2010 elections. The use of marijuana is a touchy subject for most - a taboo topic in all reality. However, I'm going to tell you my true thoughts on the matter. Whether you agree with me or not, don't judge until you hear the full story. Pot is a drug, true. However, so are alcohol and tobacco. Both in my eyes are worse than marijuana. This drug has medicinal value and also has the potential to help this severe economic situation. If we regulated marijuana like we regulate alcohol and nicotine, the amount of money it alone would generate would lead to insurmountable economic relief. I also know there are drawbacks to the drug. Some argue that it is a gateway drug, while others warn of its addictive properties. However, both alcohol and tobacco have addictive properties and can also lead to death, with cigarettes leading to a third of all cancers according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Legalization of marijuana would also lead to less crime. There would no longer be a need for an underground marijuana culture creating drug cartels or drug dealers. Instead it would be a legalized substance that could be government regulated. I know this is a very touchy subject, and I know many people reading this don't agree with what I am saying. But before you judge my thoughts, honestly think about it. Compare the good and the bad. Obviously, marijuana is still a drug and has its negative qualities. But, honestly, what doesn't? - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake