Social media, though often the subject of severe criticism of our youth, has caused radical changes to our political
system, even though we don't notice it.
As we saw the legalization of gay marriage in the USA, I saw it not as legalization, but rather, an "unblock" on civil
liberties of a group of people.
Such is the same for marijuana legalization. For the sake of simplicity, neglected from the article are very important
points such as; The military industrial complex, the failed war on drugs and its burden on the taxpayer
So, without further bantering, here are my five arguments!
1) Civil liberty
This is number 1 because in this case, it does not matter if you are using marijuana for recreational (to just get high!
), medicinal (there are several applications), spiritual, or religious purposes, but because, as a Libertarian, I
believe that the principles of liberties are universal. If a group of people by general consensus can claim ownership
over your civil liberties by a 51% vote, then there is obviously a moral issue there, making the concerned human being
very undemocratic.
2) Medicinal
Marijuana has many medicinal uses, in my case, mental health. Research funded by the US government (Yes, the same people
who schedule it as a drug with
no medicinal value, shows that marijuana acts on the same receptors of the brain as
benzodiazepine drugs do, which are prescribed as a commercial treatment for generalized anxiety disorder today. Of
course, cannabis is less stronger, which also makes it less addictive, and it bears none of the side effects that the
pharmaceutical drugs do. There have been very few deaths attributed to medicinal marijuana use. There are none that I am
aware of.
3) Cultural
Marijuana has been a part of several cultural practices. Ancient civilizations have been using the plant for ceremonies
for thousands of years. A lot of these civilizations have been subject to erasure due to post colonialism under the
corporatocracy. It is only fair that they be allowed to partake in cultural traditions, as Americans do with their
alcohol.
4) Religious
Human beings are very religious people. I myself am opposed to several organized religions, including Christianity,
Judaism, and Islam (No debating!). However, by imposing my religious views (or lack, thereof) on a religious group of
people would make me guilty of the very same vices that I accuse them of.
5) Prohibition was founded on a lie
We were told that marijuana was dangerous, that it can lead to permanent psychosis, cause schizophrenia (this is the
"vaccines cause autism" of our times and has no scientific basis), and corrupt our youth by having them lead immoral and
destitute lives. However, several states have done well under legalization, reducing addiction and crime rates in just a
few years (Colorado is one example)
Please discuss, but be civil! Thou hast been warned..
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