If alcohol, tobacco and some OTC drugs were given the scrutiny that cannabis is, they would be illegal. That tells me the legality or illegality of a substance isn't entirely determined by its safety when consumed. It is partially determined by something else, like morality.
There are taboos that are grounded in real danger, but others are grounded in personal preference. The thought processes may go something like this, "I tried it and don't like it. Because I don't like it, it must be bad. If it is bad, no one should use it." The problem is, the same logic could be used to ban chocolate cake or rocky road ice cream.
That's the kind of thought processes some of our legislators have. Some of our government officials are totally ignorant about any aspect of cannabis use. One time in the Indiana state house they were in committee discussing the possibility of wider availability of naloxone. One of the gentlemen on the council asked the witness if naloxone could reverse a cannabis overdose. In my opinion that question showed a total lack of knowledge of the subject matter. It is illogical to depend on lawmakers to make good and proper laws when they are ignorant of the subject of the law.
With cannabis that ignorance was fostered by lies and racism. The United States during WWII was all into people growing hemp for the war effort. Then the tide turned and hemp was supplanted by manmade materials in rope making. Illegal immigration was seen as something taking away jobs from Americans. So marijuana was used as a tool in the enforcement of immigration laws. It was made illegal so people who liked it, mostly Mexicans and black folk, could be charged with its possession, jailed then deported.
The USA went totally overboard thanks to a man named Anslinger. All cannabis in all its forms were banned. Instead of cannabis being used as something good, it turned into a hammer to beat minorities over the head with. Nixon was notorious in using cannabis against black people. He even said as much and the conversation was recorded onto the famous Nixon tapes.
The tide is finally turning again and thanks to knowledge. All the old myths and lies about cannabis are being exposed showing what they really are. Logic and reason are finally winning. Now we have states where cannabis is perfectly legal for consenting adults as it should be. The states who have legalized cannabis are reaping the rewards in fuller state coffers too! That motive of gaining more tax dollars is an improper motive, but I'll take it. The motive should have to do primarily with human liberties and truth. The tax dollars will follow.
Have no fear of cannabis. Do have a fear of the person who over indulged in other legal substances, like alcohol.
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