Poll: Marijuana Legalization Support Reaches New High.

PHOTO CREDIT: "Cannabis" by M. Bartosch for Free Digital Photos

In a new poll from Gallup, a majority of Americans now support legalization of marijuana. Fifty percent now favor the end to prohibition, whereas 46% oppose it. Just last year, that support for ending prohibition was at 46%. Americans are finally seeing through the propaganda that has incorrectly labeled marijuana as a dangerous drug.

Not one person has ever over-dosed from marijuana; compare that to alcohol, and yet alcohol is as available as Starbucks coffee. Marijuana isn't physically addictive like tobacco and yet tobacco can be easily purchased at convenience stores!! Anyone who says marijuana is physically addictive is misinformed and has obviously never tried the herb. I have used marijuana throughout various times in my life and it has never been hard to stop when I wanted to.

Then there is the fact that marijuana pacifies people and therefore you just don't see the violence associated with it that you do with alcohol. Think about all the violence on the border with Mexico over drugs; sixty percent of that drug trade is in marijuana!! If we legalized it then that crime would drop drastically. Some people say that drug cartels would still have other drugs to sell but who in their right mind would oppose putting a 60% dent in their business?!!!

And, the cost to tax payers of enforcing a failed 70 year prohibition in police resources has been atrocious. That is time that the police could be chasing violent criminals and solving cold cases. In addition, we already clogging up our already crowded prisons with non-violent marijuana users and growers while pedophiles and rapists get light sentences!! The warehousing of those marijuana "offenders" also costs the tax payer ridiculous amounts of money. The money is flowing the wrong way--out of our pockets; legalization and regulation similar to alcohol could be bringing in millions (if not billions) to state and federal coffers to balance budgets and fund schools.

The last time I checked, America was a country where we have a right to personal freedom and unreasonable searches and seizures. Tax paying, law-abiding citizens should have the freedom to enjoy small amounts of marijuana in the privacy of their own homes. Whatever happened to the pursuit of happiness?!! For these, and many other reasons, marijuana should be legalized and it appears that America is ready to do it. The tipping point is upon us and now it just looks like it is being opposed by "do-gooders" who oppose it purely on religious, moral grounds. However, a religion shouldn't have the right to deny others personal freedoms; this is a country after all that allows for the practice of no religion, too. Even amongst the religious there are many who agree with legalization, so the time is now.

---The Green Man has Spoken---

Cops Admit Drug War Failure. Advocate Legalization with Tight Regulations.

No matter what statistic it is that's examined, be it the kidnapping ranking of Phoenix, shootings in El Paso, marijuana arrests in Brownsville or the number of new gang members in San Diego, the reality of today's America is that drug violence has become a pervasive and pressing threat to most citizens. "We have got to fix this problem, or else it's going to get a lot worse for us here at home," explained Terry Nelson. But what does this mean for American citizens? In short: the drug cartels have won, but it doesn't have to be this way.

Nelson, a life-long Republican, said that he believes many conservative lawmakers are beginning to come around to their view of drug policy as counter-productive to the overall goals of the drug war. "They're just waiting for when it becomes politically viable to take action," he said. "I hope that happens. It needs to."

Green Man: As usual, politicians know what that legalization would reduce crime, violence and adolescent drug use but they are too cowardly to lead because they care more about their jobs than Americans. We can look to Portugal for guidance. They decriminalized all drugs 11 years ago in response a failed drug war--not unlike the failed drug war in America. Decriminalization means it's still technically illegal but instead of going to prison, which won't solve the drug addiction, users are sent to treatment facilities.

Upon decriminalization, the crime dried up, violence was reduced and adolescent use has decreased. HIV/AIDS infections related to dirty syringe use dropped by a staggering 75% and the number of drug users held steady. American cities are slowly but surely increasing drug treatment programs instead of prison time where drugs are just as accessible as on the streets. The drug courts are showing promising signs of hope. "Between 4 and 29 percent of drug court participants in the United States will get caught using drugs again, compared with 48 percent of those who go through traditional courts" (link).

The other problem with sending drug addicts to prison is that they mingle with violent offenders and other criminals where they learn to be real criminals. Plus, it increases the prison population, which costs the tax payer more than if they were treated in the drug programs since the recidivism rates from drugs courts are so much lower than with straight imprisonment. I do think, however, that marijuana should be treated as a separate case from the hard drugs like crack, meth and heroin. Marijuana should legalized, taxed and regulated since it isn't physically addictive, doesn't cause overdoses and causes less societal problems than alcohol.

The bottom line is that the war on drugs isn't just failing, it's doing so exponentially and now the violence that we've seen in Mexico is coming here to America. We'll never stop those who want to use drugs but we can take away the criminal element by decriminalization of the hard drugs and legalization of marijuana. We can also ameliorate the health issues surrounding drug use. Plus, we can drastically reduce adolescent rates because they would have to provide identification to buy marijuana. Whereas, right now, they can go to a shady drug dealer who won't ask for identification. A growing number of Americans on the left and right understand the path ahead, but unfortunately America doesn't have "leaders" courageous enough to lead!!!

Stand up and be counted--email your leaders and tell them you want a more progressive drug policy because this current "war on drugs" has been a failure. If the politicians won't lead, then we the people must take charge.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Bald Eagle Decapitated in Louisiana.

By Mark Morgenstein, CNN

(CNN) -- A brutal, fatal case of suspected cruelty to animals is under investigation in Louisiana, the state's wildlife department said in a press release Tuesday. Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries found a beheaded bald eagle Sunday in a drainage ditch in Franklin Parish, in the northeastern part of the state, according to the release.

Green Man: Every time an animal dies in such a senseless and cruel manner, my heart literally aches. But, to see our national animal and the symbol of freedom, so disrespected is nearly more than I can bear. Especially since raptors are some of my favorite animals. The Red-Tail Hawk is my main animal guide and I'm lucky to see them quite frequently here in Colorado. I often find I see them when I need a message of hope or strength.

They also have been known to visit me in times of trouble. Once, my wife, some friends and I were going to Las Vegas to party and otherwise debauch ourselves when the plane we were about to leave on was delayed. It turns out that a Red Tail hawk had been sucked into one of the plane engines on the plane's previous flight. I had a sinking feeling that was a bad sign for things to come. As it turns out, I ended up taking way to much ecstasy in Vegas and nearly blacked-out. When I came to, the next day, I found myself in the midst of a mental breakdown.

The over-dose of drugs flared up my mental illness and I literally said less than a dozen words for the next three days as I followed my wife and friends around Vegas like a lost puppy dog. I was so out of it that at one point I asked my wife if I had lost my sanity. I was terrified because I couldn't hold a train of thought for longer than about 2 minutes before forgetting. I couldn't activate my brain to analyze my emotions or the situation I was in to return to a sense of normalcy. The flight home was surreal where I thought everyone on-board was talking about me and every time I'd hear people laugh I assumed they were laughing at me. I didn't get things back under control until I got back to the house and could take my medications.

Upon contemplating at home about the trip, I saw the death of that hawk as a warning to me of things to come if I kept on that course. I saw it too as a sign to stop the heavy drug use, which I did. Now, I just stick to the natural stuff--marijuana, which actually helps my mental illness. That was also a time when I wasn't fully diagnosed yet and wasn't taking adequate amounts of medication in the first place. I was finally and accurately diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder not long after the Vegas incident, and have since improved though I am unable to work because of the disorder. Mental illness runs in my family; well, it practically gallops in the family, so I knew I was probably going to have some issues at some point.

Ecstasy is a drug that unlocks a lot of spirituality and understanding of the deeper realities of life. However, it should be used sparingly, and not multiple times through-out the night with alcohol, as I did. I believe that most people (adults) should try it at least once but from an attitude of spiritual awakening, respect and with a guide to help you stay safe. It's good to have someone to remind you to drink water through-out the high because it's easy to get dehydrated and over-heated, which was my other problem. The alcohol didn't help that aspect either. But, don't drink too much water either because that can be problematic, as well. I found the sweet spot to be a tall glass about every hour. I'd have someone set their watch to go off every hour to keep everyone aware.

But, I digress. Animals can be such amazing blessings to our lives if we let them be but all too often we see them as objects to use any way we see fit. So, to see an animal not only senselessly killed but tortured on top of that just makes me want to vomit. It makes me very disappointed in my fellow humans.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Colorado Politician: "A lot" of Lawmakers Want Drug Law Reforms.

Support for legalizing marijuana at the federal level is steadily increasing in Congress, according to a Democratic representative from Colorado. "I find that a lot of members of Congress privately agree that we need to change our drug policy, they’re just still too timid or scared to come public with it," Rep. Jared Polis said in an interview with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). "We really have a growing group that support decriminalization at the federal level and changing the schedule of marijuana," he added. "It’s not a majority yet, but it’s growing rather than shrinking."

Green Man: The people are always ahead of the government. It's sadly ironic that politicians are scared to go public with their support for reforming drug laws because it is they who are elected to make those very decisions!! A politician's constitutional duty is to make the big decisions that are beyond the power of average citizens, so to see them cower from that role is disappointing. However, it is nice that people like Rep. Polis are out there carrying the banner in Washington D.C. and to hear that support is growing rather than shrinking--the momentum is on our side. And, I am particularly proud that Rep. Polis is a fellow Coloradan.

Still, these politicians know the truth about marijuana and they are manipulating the issue to enable re-election from the people who are still in the dark about the true nature of marijuana. They are taking advantage of people who've been lied to for years about a fairly harmless plant. These are the older folks who were shown pure propaganda films claiming smoking marijuana will make you rape and murder people!! Seriously, rent the old movie, "Reefer Madness." It's a black and white movie made years ago to scare people into seeing marijuana as bad and corrupting.

It's time that the truth set us free. Shamans have benefited and lauded marijuana's properties for eons and we're foolish to ignore their expertise in regards to this miracle plant of healing and spiritual enlightenment. Demand freedom to partake in an herb that isn't just a "drug" but very much a spiritual key and giver of knowledge. Perhaps, that is the real reason that some politicians oppose marijuana reform--they are afraid of an educated populace that will challenge their authority and corrupt policies. This is the prohibition fight of our generation and we will prevail!!

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Pat Robertson Advocates Reforming Marijuana Laws. Plus, Other Pot News.

"We're locking up people that have taken a couple puffs of marijuana and next thing you know they've got 10 years with mandatory sentences," Robertson continued. "These judges just say, they throw up their hands and say nothing we can do with these mandatory sentences. We've got to take a look at what we're considering crimes and that's one of 'em.

"I'm ... I'm not exactly for the use of drugs, don't get me wrong, but I just believe that criminalizing marijuana, criminalizing the possession of a few ounces of pot, that kinda thing it's just, it's costing us a fortune and it's ruining young people. Young people go into prisons, they go in as youths and come out as hardened criminals. That's not a good thing."

Green Man: Long time Christian Conservative Robertson may not be advocating legalization but he certainly understands that current marijuana laws are ridiculous. Clearly marijuana isn't a drug in the sense of the hard ones: cocaine, crack, heroin and meth. So, to have any penalty for use other than something akin to a fine or traffic ticket is counter-productive and a huge waste of tax-payer dollars. Conservatives support marijuana reform more than might be realized by the vast public because they aren't as open and vocal as Liberals and Libertarians on the matter.

I recently read an article in Time magazine about all the conservatives who support legalization or decriminalization. They are concerned about the costs of prosecuting the war on marijuana; both in tax dollars and in police resources. They believe that we should free up police forces to be going after real crimes like child molestation and being on guard for terrorist activities. In addition, it appeals to their demand for freedom from necessary government intrusion their lives.

In other marijuana related news, potential jurors in Montana refused to convict a citizen arrested for possession of a small amount of pot. So, much so that the judge stated it would be impossible to seat a jury in the case!! That just goes to show how little the public thinks of marijuana laws; and just how far education and understanding have developed on marijuana use.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Former Surgeon General: Legalize Marijuana.

Former US Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders told CNN's Don Lemon Sunday that she supports the legalization of marijuana. "Marijuana is not addictive -- not physically addictive anyway," Elders added. "Nobody says that marijuana causes violence. As we know alcohol can cause much more aggressiveness.

You aren't as likely to hurt someone from using marijuana as you are from using alcohol." "I think we consume far more dangerous drugs that are legal: cigarette smoking, nicotine and alcohol," Elders told the New York Times on Friday. "I feel they cause much more devastating effects physically. We need to lift the prohibition on marijuana."

Green Man: If Surgeon Generals (along with numerous doctors who prescribe it medicinally) bolster the claims that marijuana is a relatively benign drug then why are we letting politicians and police officers decided the fate of marijuana? I much more value the opinions of doctors when it comes to things that one ingests into the body. I don't trust a politician to give me a straight answer any more than a criminal. Anyone who has tried marijuana knows that it's not a substance that's going to drive you insane, cause you to die from an overdose or make you want to go on a drug using spree to try every other drug out there. That's the "gateway drug" propaganda--that once you use marijuana you wanna try heroin and the other hard drugs.

There are a couple of ways to answer this distortion: 1). Have you seen how kids react to sugar? If we're going to label something a gateway drug then it would have to be sugar. It's a chemical that gives you a "buzz" and yet we don't outlaw it. The same goes for caffeine, which can cause headaches, irritability and drowsiness due to caffeine withdrawal. If you drink enough of it you might as well be doing cocaine!! It has that same "speedy buzz" effect. And why don't we say tobacco is the gateway drug? It's ridiculously addictive and bad for your health. Then there's everyone's favorite drug--alcohol.

Funny how no one says drinking a few beers after work leads to wanting to try harder stuff like heroin or crack. Why? Because the "gateway effect" is something that applies to people who already have an "addictive personality." This means that they are already predisposed to addiction whether it's an classical "drug" or shopping, sex, porn, eating, exercise, work, etc.

Another aspect to the marijuana legalization debate that gets me frustrated is when people who have never used it claim to know all about it. And looking it up on WebMD isn't the same because a lot of doctors simply don't have experience with it. Also, WebMD is a company (like a lot of companies) that seems too cautious to list anything positive about the drug--Just like politicians. A lot of corporations take the non-controversial route of towing the prohibition line because they cowardly don't want to get criticism for "rocking the boat" of the status quo. Other doctors fear that their support of marijuana would jeopardize their practice as a trusted doctor.

It's time to stop listening to politicians about medical and bodily issues--not the least reason being that they have special interests to promote such as the alcohol and tobacco lobbies that don't want to compete with marijuana. It's interesting how everyone is for personal freedom and the free market until it comes to something they personally disagree with. I'm tired of listening to hypocrites, the self-righteous, and personally appointed "morality police" about what we should and shouldn't do with our lives. What ever happened to America: land of the free???

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Alcohol Lobbyists Fighting Marijuana Freedom in California. Don't Let Them Decide for You!!

Typical corporate lobbying bullshit to prevent competition. These people talk a good game about the free market but when it comes to straight up competing on a level playing field they do everything in their power to stack the deck in their favor. It's no longer capitalism based on democracy. It's corporatism based on the power and money being in the hands of just a few "Robber Baron" type tycoons.

According to a recently filed campaign finance report, the campaign to defeat a marijuana legalization initiative in California is receiving substantial funding from the alcohol industry. Now marijuana advocates are fighting back, calling on the opposition campaign to explain why it is working with Big Alcohol to keep marijuana illegal. But why does the No on Prop. 19 campaign share? Big Alcohol's goal of an alcohol-only society? It seems odd that a group that purports to be committed to enhancing public safety wants to ensure Californians can only drink and cannot use marijuana as a safer recreational alternative.

After all, every objective study on marijuana has concluded that it is far safer than alcohol to the user and society. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol use alone contributes to more than 35,000 deaths each year -- including several hundred from overdoses -- whereas marijuana use does not contribute to any deaths and has never resulted in a fatal overdose in history.

Green Man: If you live in California and support marijuana freedom then don't sit this election out thinking there will be more than enough supporters that will vote. We need everyone, single, vote we can get out on election day. It's time to take the power of medicine back into the hands of the common man and return to the days when marijuana was seen as a sacrament and a great, healing, divine, herb.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Californians for Common Sense: 51% Support Marijuana Legalization.

A Sacramento Bee/Field Poll survey released over the weekend found support for legalizing marijuana in California at 51%. Between those who want to legalize it and those who want to decriminalize it, the poll suggests nearly two-thirds of California voters favor relaxing the state's marijuana laws. Only about one-third support the status quo or hardening the state's approach to marijuana.

Green Man: If you live in California and believe in personal freedoms then I hope you would support this initiative. Marijuana is not like the hard drugs that are illegal. In a lot of ways it is less of a problem for society than alcohol. It was only made illegal because of ignorance and a vicious propaganda campaign to demonize African-Americans and migrate workers from Mexico at the turn of the century. It remained illegal under Nixon as a way to whip up political support from those who were fearful of the baby boomers' counter culture. Then of course came Reagan who swept up the relatively benign drug into his "Just Say No" campaign that was instigated by the crack epidemic in the 80's. It didn't matter that marijuana wasn't addictive, deadly or harmful like crack cocaine; a drug was a drug to the fearful, ignorant, moralists of the Reagan era. Yet all the while these drug hypocrites swigged down gallon upon gallon of whiskey, beer and wine.

Another way that you can support the campaign to free marijuana from propaganda and irrational prohibitionists is through donating money. Two reputable and secure places to donate to the fight are "Yes on 19" which is run by the founder of Oaksterdam University in Oakland. It is a medical marijuana organization that teaches people how to grow their own medicine. This group is also sponsered by the long-time marijuana advocate organization "NORML." The other organiztion that I trust on this matter is Firedog Lake's campaign, "Just Say Now." Firedog Lake is a well-established, reputable political advocacy group. Even $10 helps. The time is now to legalize marijuana, which could help us find tax dollars to improve our schools, health care or job market. Besides, America has always been the place where personal freedoms are sacred as long as an action doesn't harm others. Of course supporters of legalization are against driving while intoxicated.

---End of Transmission---

Happy 420 or "National Weed Day."

Today is the day that marijuana supporters celebrate the miraculous drug. The term, "420" is said to have started as a pre-agreed upon time at a high school in the 70s to convene upon an area of the campus to smoke pot. Thus, 4:20. Now it has become a symbol of marijuana culture and a date--April 20th (4/20) to honor and fight for the free use of cannabis. One of the greatest celebrations takes place in my state of Colorado on the campus of the college I attended--the University of Colorado. At last years event, the number of attendees surpassed 10,000.Even GLENN BECK is for legalizing marijuana!!!! I can't believe that I agree with him on something but he's right. This modern day prohibition has become a total joke. If even Republicans are for legalization then you know it's time. But as usual the people are ahead of the government. I think the swing generation (The Millennials) is about to push the long-delayed legalization of marijuana over the goal line. It's ridiculous too that we have to listen to people who have never smoked pot, been around someone who smokes pot or seen the benefits of it. Thankfully the "Reefer Madness" generation is aging and losing influence on society, so I think rational heads will prevail on this in the next decade or so.

~The Green Man has Spoken~

Marijuana: The Miracle Drug.

As some of you know, my primary spiritual belief system is that of Zen Buddhism and part of that belief involves rebirth. Awhile back, I went to see a highly respected and trusted psychic who was recommended by my equally respected and credible psychologist. Anyway, she told me that in one of my past lives I was a Native American shaman who lived into his 90s. And that before that I was a shaman/medicine man in Africa. Those are both cultures that I really identity with but especially Africa. Plus, I have always been one who has spent countless days up high in the pine forests and meadows of the high rocky mountains. I am also one who respects all living things on planet Earth. As well as someone who has been curious about and attracted to natural remedies and plant life. I use to grind up flowers with water in with other plant matter when I was a kid. I was just having fun but isn't that interesting that I was subconsciously doing something that shamans have done for eons? I even spent a couple years selling vitamins and herbs to people looking for alternative therapies. I developed an extensive library of knowledge both in my mind and piled up on one of my many book shelves. So, anyway, I certainly feel a connection to the role of shamans.

So it shouldn't come as a surprise that I, The Green Man support the legalization of marijuana and certainly believe in its medicinal use. I don't know of any other drug that has so many benefits to it and thus why I call it a miracle drug. I personally use it to be a quick acting anti-depressant when I'm feeling suicidally depressed from my mental illness. As well as an anti-inflammatory for my fibromyalgia, which eases my aches and pains quicker and more effectively than a handful of Advil. And nothing tops the stomach pain easing effects of marijuana. When I get the flu I don't reach for Pepto Bismal, which makes me gag or choking on half a bottle of those chalky Tums tablets. I go straight for the pot because it works instantly and lasts long. Plus, it relaxes the stomach muscles to help ease that tight, uncomfortable feeling that comes with stomach sickness. Also, it often flat-out shuts down nausea.

Let me be very clear up front, I do not recommend everyone with a mental illness smoke marijuana but it's long past due that the mental health community recognize it as a potentially beneficial drug for some. Especially when it comes to folks with major depression and tendencies toward chronic suicidal thinking and planning. Suicidal impulses hit me like a storm that explodes around you within minutes and before you can realize what is happening you are fighting to stay alive.

Many of you who struggle with suicidal impulses know that once it hits you, like LSD, it steadily pulls you deeper and deeper into an altered state of consciousness that you increasingly can not control. It isn't long before you are locked into what I literally refer to as a, "death spiral." Once that process starts there isn't much that can reach me let along pull me out of it without hospitalization. Except I discovered since my one and only hospitalization that smoking some pot right as that suicidal storm hits lifts me up out of that dark, powerful, destructive black hole like being plucked out of a violent sea by a coast guard helicopter. People don't take it seriously enough as a natural supplement to prescription drugs, which kill more people every year than died in the entire Vietnam War!! That's 50,000+ every year!! Plus, when I miss a prescription drug for my schizoaffective disorder it makes me vomit violently in withdrawals. Whereas if I don't do marijuana for a day or two I don't have anything like that happen. I'm not saying pot takes the place of my meds -- not at all. It simply adds to them to ease the symptoms that the prescription drugs can't hit.

There is no pill out there that I know of, which works instantaneously to pull someone out of suicidal depression how Ativan or Klonopin instantaneously can pull people out of mania (including anxiety and panic attacks). Certainly this isn't true for everyone because for some it might pull them out of suicidal thoughts but exchange it with psychosis. However, that's true for any psychological medication but that doesn't mean that just because say Lexapro doesn't work for someone that it should be banned altogether. It's clear that marijuana DOES help people with suicidal depression and that should be factored into what conditions qualify for medicinal marijuana. And for many it can also melt away anxiety and stress as well as any prescription drug but whereas the pill is made from a long list of hard to pronounce, unnatural chemicals -- Pot it all natural.

Besides, this is America and our country was founded upon personal liberties and freedoms so why is it the government's business if someone wants to smoke a joint in the privacy of their own home and laugh at cartoons? How does that hurt anyone? Sure there need to be laws preventing smoking it and driving and keeping it away from minors. However, did you know that because marijuana isn't legal and thus not regulated that it is easier for minors to get than alcohol? To buy alcohol a teen must walk into a security camera enforced store and show valid identification. Sure they can try to make a fake ID but it's difficult to do and fakes are often discovered. If a teen goes to buy illegal pot the dealer isn't going to ask for identification. He doesn't care who buys his product, thus the teens can get pot easier than alcohol. If pot was sold in a regulated store the use rates who go down.

Sure it can be abused if you smoke it all day but honestly how many people are doing that besides college kids? Another argument is that the pot today is stronger. Blah, blah, blah. Pot has NEVER, EVER led to any over-dose. You simply can't overdose on marijuana. You can smoke it all day and the worst that happens is you fall asleep and get a good night of sleep!! Wow. Soooo dangerous. The stronger pot argument is only valid if it led to overdoses but it doesn't. It simply isn't true. Sure it might cause emphysema but that's a personal decision that someone shouldn't be making for someone else. Besides you can bake marijuana into brownies and ingest it orally without running the risks of smoking. Plus now there is the vaporizing method, which is a mist that you ingest and it has been shown to be safe. That's the method I use. It's not unlike ingesting mist from those asthma pumps.

Hell, eating too much junk food leads to heart disease, diabetes and other major health problems but do we make Twinkies illegal? Alcohol leads to liver and kidney damage but we saw what prohibition of alcohol brought us in the golden age of gangsters in the 20's. And the same members of Congress that say pot should remain illegal are guzzling alcohol by the barrel full. Porn can be abused but it's legal, working can even be abused and break up marriages. Anything can be abused but does that mean we should make everything with the ability to be abused illegal? We'd have to outlaw cold medicine, mouthwash and paint solvents to name but a few things. We wouldn't be able to function as a society or leave our house!! Should we outlaw greed? Good luck. And what about the "legal drugs" that are aired non-stop on t.v. and take half the commercial time listing adverse side effects? No, I choose not to live in fear. It's time to stop demonizing marijuana and throw it in the same category as heroin, cocaine, crack and meth. Marijuana is to those other substances as B.B. guns are to AK-47's.

I find it very odd to say the least that Conservatives who are usually for personal liberties and the government butting out of a person's private life are for keeping pot illegal!! Huh?