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mynxkat -> RE: Doesn't marijuana count? (7/2/2011 6:37:00 AM)
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My own thinking is that marijuana should be legal.
It's demonstrably less dangerous than alcohol, both on a personal level and in terms of deaths and injuries from accidents that occur due to its use. I'd have to search for it to find it again, but I have seen rather convincing evidence that marijuana in light doses actually IMPROVES people's reflexes and awareness (though, of course at higher dosages the reflexes slow and awareness is lessened). Even at higher doses, it doesn't screw up your judgement nearly as badly as alcohol does.
Plus, there's tons of research indicating that marijuana in reasonable amounts is a highly effective painkiller without most of the unpleasant side effects of other painkillers. For me, it's the only thing I've ever found that works worth a damn when my menstrual cramps are especially bad and that actually leaves me somewhat functional.
And there's an interesting fact that marijuana has an amazingly low toxicity. It's damn near literally impossible to overdose on it. Plus, there's pretty strong evidence that for the majority of people, marijuana is NOT physically addictive. There are no withdrawal symptoms associated with long term use followed by complete cessation. I can confirm this one from personal experience; for years I did use it daily, then quit when I decided to take up a career as a truck driver. Mental addiction is a whole other kettle, and people who tend toward being prone to mental addictions can get addicted to ANYTHING.
Just think, if the US actually formally legalized pot, they could then regulate it and tax it just like alcohol and tobacco! Imagine how many billions of dollars in revenue that would generate!
I use pot more often than I do alcohol. My own personal preferences. I don't like the way alcohol tastes or how it makes me feel. I do enjoy the occasional toke, though. Being a bit buzzed actually makes me MORE productive around the house, not less. Makes me a touch hyper. I get all silly and chatty and bounce around. Understand, I don't toke up every day, far from it. I go months at a time without smoking pot. I go sometimes years at a time between drinks. I don't think addiction (to marijuana, anyway) is really a factor. I understand addictions, as I am actually addicted to caffeine and nicotine.
I've never had any interest in trying any of the 'harder' drugs, like cocaine or speed or any of the opiates. This flap about marijuana being a gateway drug is so much horse hockey. If anything, alcohol abuse is more likely to lead to drug abuse problems than pot is. Of course, that's just MY opinion.
ETA: Oh, yea. Completely lost sight of the original question. Yes, marijuana counts as 'drug use', but there is a clear difference between use and abuse. Abuse I'd have a problem with, use I think it's fairly clear that I don't have a problem with.
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