(The Herald-News) The question in 2009 is whether we keep the prohibition laws in place or repeal them, replacing them with a system of regulation and taxation, with controls over cultivation, purity, distribution and sales, and age limits on purchases.
There’s a big problem with that suggestion, however, and it’s not that it’s a radical idea. Privately, people readily agree that we shouldn’t be arresting people for pot — growing it, selling it or using it — and ought to be looking seriously at the revenue potential. The problem is they say it only in private, fearful that speaking up in public about the wrongheadedness of the marijuana laws would put their job, security clearance or custody of their children in serious jeopardy. It’s a simple matter of priorities, and they have theirs right.
The immediate struggle is not to legalize marijuana, but to legalize discussion about it.
As Keith Stroup and Dr. Lester Grinspoon testify today in Massachusetts for legalization, I’m reminded once again why I get up most every day and talk into cyberspace about legalization of marijuana. How many of you listeners to the podcast would suffer consequences if you even hinted that you support legalization? How many of you would be busted by a spouse, employer, or the community if they saw “NORML Daily Audio Stash” in your iPod rotation?
This is why I never fully trust statistics on marijuana use in this country. When your actions can cost you your freedom, you tend to be paranoid about polls, even elections.
The more coverage that is shown on the news, the less taboo the subject will be. I think its an uphill battle but we are almost at the top, hopefully.
I work for a very large company, I’m an Electronics Engineer. I live in South Carolina, so my office and co-workers are mostly very conservative towards drugs. Many times while I’m at my desk, most of the guys will make discussions of the top news. And sometimes, the conversation goes to marijuana.
I’m very vocal outside of work about the legalization of cannabis. But the pure misinformation they spew makes my blood boil at work. And the minute I work up some courage to give them facts, I panic because I do not want to lose everything I’ve worked so hard for.
But don’t get me wrong, I’m not the only pothead at my job.