US marijuana laws : A historic shift, but it'll remain controlled substance

[Paco Dennis]

I first became aware of marijuana in 1966. The people who were smoking it tended to be artists, musicians, college students of the radical left and intellectuals. They thought of themselves as elite and very cool and I thought they were, too.

They would smoke and write music and discuss the world's big issues. Sometimes they would watch Reefer Madness and laugh, imagining the shock and pearl clutching of all the straight majority and feeling quite unique and superior.

Now 88% of the population thinks it should be legalized and probably use it at times. All of them still thinking they're cool and edgy.

Oh, how times have changed! Back in the day, marijuana was the secret handshake of the counterculture, a symbol of rebellion and enlightenment rolled into one smokey package. But now? Now it's as mainstream as avocado toast and yoga classes.

Sure, there's still a thrill to sparking up and letting your mind wander to the deepest corners of the universe, but let's be real - we're not exactly blazing a trail here. These days, even suburban soccer moms are lighting up after book club and CEOs are hitting the bong to unwind after a long day at the office.

But hey, at least we medical users can still hold our heads high, knowing that our stash isn't just for fun and games. We're using it to manage our pain, ease our anxiety, and keep our bodies and minds in balance. So while the rest of the world is just trying to be cool, we're out here actually taking care of ourselves.

 

[stephenPE]

Classifying pot shedule 1 with heroin and other dangerous things was asinine. I never found it addictive. I smoked it at the age of 17 and 18. I liked it. Then I went to college (on my dime) and knew I could do better without it. I have tried it since I retired a few years ago and it aint the same to me. I've tried gummies, don't work. Wild Turkey works but that aint good for you at all. My point is that if pot helps you with pain or anxiety or life you should easily have access to it. Locking up pot smokers and even dealers was the biggest farce America ever had going.

 

[Nathan]

Classifying pot shedule 1 with heroin and other dangerous things was asinine. I never found it addictive. I smoked it at the age of 17 and 18. I liked it. Then I went to college (on my dime) and knew I could do better without it. I have tried it since I retired a few years ago and it aint the same to me. I've tried gummies, don't work. Wild Turkey works but that aint good for you at all. My point is that if pot helps you with pain or anxiety or life you should easily have access to it. Locking up pot smokers and even dealers was the biggest farce America ever had going.

Agreed. Imprisoning so many thousands/millions of rather low key violators over the years have been exposed to truly violent and criminal population, and are now members of the prison culture layer of society.

 

[Della]

Locking up pot smokers and even dealers was the biggest farce America ever had going.

I think we've had worse farces. Sending 58,220 American soldiers to their deaths in Vietnam was one. Slavery was another. Marijuana may not be addictive, but it sure seems to create a disturbing amount of love and loyalty in the users.

Two of my very best male friends went to jail for marijuana possession. One had such a tiny amount it fit in a small matchbox. After he got out he continued school and became a lawyer, so it didn't ruin him. The punishments were far too harsh, but he would be the first to tell you that he knew it was against the law so it was a chance he was taking.

I wish we could have kept illegal, but just fined it like traffic tickets.