Of Cons and Confusion

Dawes knew what they were talking about when they said, "All these scientists and these doctors, they're all right, and they're all wrong." On both sides of the legalization debate, opposing forces have exchanged salvos of misinformation, and often it is difficult to distinguish fact from all-out fiction. Opponents against the legal use of the drug shout from the rooftops their damning evidence concerning marijuana's ill effects on mental, physical, and social health. Meanwhile, fans of pot scoff at these proclamations as antiquated catastrophism, upholding the marijuana as harmless at worst and a cure-all wonder-drug at best. 

Claims on both fronts, however, are often heavily exaggerated. Marijuana is not the drug "with its roots in Hell," as Reefer Madness alleged, but it's not a godsend either; it simply exists. Pot, like money, is a neutral force that can be used for either good or evil. Legalization, however, is not only a good thing--it is becoming increasingly necessary, not to mention imminent. How can this dichotomy exist? I have already stated repeatedly why I favor legalizing. Let's now take a break to examine a few of the most pressing opposing arguments (and their inherent flaws). 

1. "Marijuana is more dangerous/addicting than cigarettes."

If you're willing to brave a quick Google search of this topic, you'll have to do a fair amount of digital navigating before you get past the initial search-result barrage of amateur bloggers declaring themselves to be health experts (as though I'm one to talk). For this reason, in my research, I decided to go directly to one of the most famous sources, one you can find in just about any gas station: the US surgeon general. Of course, there's no secret as to the opinion on tobacco smoking. 

However, surgeon general statements on marijuana have been more of a mixed bag over the years. Currently, Surgeon General Regina Benjamin acknowledges the evidence that pot can have medicinal effects, but further studies are required to determine how to reduce the adverse effects of the drug. David Satcher, surgeon general from 1998-2002, says that there is no definite medical use for marijuana currently known. Also, as early as 1994, Surgeon General M. Joycelyn Elders stated, 

"The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS -- or by the harsh drugs sometimes used to treat them. And it can do so with remarkable safety. Indeed, marijuana is less toxic than many of the drugs that physicians prescribe every day." As for addiction, any substance can lead to dependence, including legal ones such as cigarettes and alcohol.

2. "Marijuana is a gateway drug."

This is one of the most prevalent arguments against pot, and at first it seems nothing but valid. After all, it is true that most who get involved with heroin and cocaine began by experimentation with pot. However, that marijuana actually led to further drug use is an assumption based on ine observation. Not everyone who tries marijuana will progress to harder drugs: According to a Time magazine article, 

"in 2009, 2.3 million people reported trying pot — compared with 617,000 who tried cocaine and 180,000 who tried heroin." The article goes on to quote the National Academy of Sciences: "In the sense that marijuana use typically precedes rather than follows initiation of other illicit drug use, it is indeed a “gateway” drug. But because underage smoking and alcohol use typically precede marijuana use, marijuana is not the most common, and is rarely the first, “gateway” to illicit drug use. There is no conclusive evidence that the drug effects of marijuana are causally linked to the subsequent abuse of other illicit drugs."

3. "Marijuana is a bad influence on the youth."

Yes, obviously. What's your point?

Depending on where your child lives and goes to school, "the influence" is likely the norm in their life. They are surrounded by it every day, and it is not scare tactics that will cause them to take the high road and stay sober, but real, comprehensive education. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Anyone really hell-bent on doing something will find a way to get it done, whether by legal means or otherwise. Instead of supporting overly harsh penalties on the use of a drug that may or may not be dangerous, talk to your children in the same way you talk to them about alcohol and cigarettes. Keeping the topic of marijuana in the dark will only make them want to explore it more. 

Time Article: http://healthland.time.com/2010/10/29/marijuna-as-a-gateway-drug-the-myth-that-will-not-die/

Surgeon General Statements: http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=004872