Alcohol is legal, yet marijuana isn't.why is that?
Both substances are harmful when you over do it, but a glass of wine isn't going to hurt anybody and neither will a puff from a joint. Both are also addictive. Yet one is legal and one isn't...why?
During my life time, I've been around many drug and alcohol abusers. In my experience, those stoned from smoking weed are much more pleasant than those drunk from too much alcohol. From what I can tell, marijuana is less harmful...can you not tax it or something? Is that why it's illegal?
Answers:
It's so big of a business that the government can't get control to get the taxes that it generates.
It's just tradition. Americans have always enjoyed alcohol, even when it was illegal. Marijuana has never been as popular. Marijuana is harmful, especially to your lungs. It does effect the brain when it is used regularly, and it can effect your genes. It is best not to use any substance to alter your mind. I don't drink or use illegal drugs. There is plenty to do in this world besides drinking and taking drugs.
I think it's because the people who make the decisions have never actually smoked and dont' realize that it's not really any worse then alcohol or cigs.
If you want to get messed up or chilled out, drink like everyone else.
Historically, marijuana was severely misunderstood. People thought it turned you into a raving lunatic. Check out the movie "Reefer Madness" to see what society thought about grass.
Conversely, alcohol has been socially acceptable for centuries and a vast majority of people use or have used it. Businessmen will never give up their "3 martini lunch."
I agree, niether one in moderation will cause any great harm. However, in todays "war on drugs" and society's "zero tolerance" attitudes, I wouldn't be surprised if, not only do they NOT legalize pot, I can see them trying to outlaw or restrict alcohol, too.
The popularity of alcohol is certainly a factor. Today, the largest factors are stigma, money and social class. Cannabis retains a bad reputation because of its use by the counterculture during the 60s. Pharmaceutical companies oppose re-legalization of all drugs as a matter of course. Re-legalization would eventually hurt that industry. The reason a former Johnson & Johnson executive started the Partnership for a Drug-Free America was not an altruistic one.
When it comes to abuse, alcohol continues to be far more harmful than cannabis could ever be. There has never been a single death attributed to cannabis, while alcohol-related deaths surpass 80,000 annually.
America has a long history of criminalizing the behavior of people it doesn't like. The laws banning opium, cocaine and cannabis are rooted in discrimination.
B/c they can tax the hell out of alcohol and get away with it. Besides, there are more people who drink than smoke pot. I do agree that pot is less harmful, but not everyone thinks as brilliantly as we do.
idk, but id rather have ppl going around high than i would drunk. when u get high u get one or all of 3 things, munchies, horny, and giggly. ya know i mean ppl having sex, eating an laughing isnt that bad. but when ppl are drunk they dont have a danm clue and thats what pisses me off. i can get drunk and do really stupid things, but i cant get high and have some harmless fun. common ppl, good question =)
The government has to justify billions of dollars for the DEA. Hooter is one the major factors regarding its annual budget.
Well, because the Alcohol Industry has been legal for many years. Remember the "bootleggers" which were very common many years ago.Then there was an Act passed to stop the production of alcohol unless it was purchased by proper means. It was determined to be a big money maker so the Govt became involved. The Natural prohibition of alcohol ( 1920-33) AKA, " the noble experiment" was undertaken to reduce crime, corruption and, to solve social problems. Although consumption of alcohol fell at the beginning of Prohibition, it subsequently increased, crime increased and became "organized", the court and prison systems were stretched to the breaking point; and corruption of public officials was rampant. Prohibition removed a significant source of tax revenue and greatly increased govt spending. It led many drinkers to switch to Opium, marijuana, cocaine, and other dangerous drugs. Ultimately, the Alcohol Prohibition was a failure. So, it became legal ( basically) . As far as way it's illegal to smoke marijuana, it's probably because the Govt will lose money. especially, with the big drug raids, etc. Crime against its' use would drop significantly. Again, the money is the issue. They would have to change the FDA title, AFT title. Wow, they would certainly be a loss of many jobs . I hope that this provides insight to your question.
Because marijuana can lead to harsher drugs and eventual addiction, maybe not in everyone, but definately to those who are young or have addictive personalities. Also it loosens their moral structure opening them up to other damaging influences.
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