Marijuana is NOT a harmless substance
 

http://alcoholism.about.com/od/pot/a...+underestimate
http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/ongoing/marijuanap.html
http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Marijuana/default.html

You are right about that. I don't think many would argue with you. It does not seem to be super harmful substance either. It is one that ought not to be used, but it is quite heavily used now.

The only people I've ever heard say that pot isn't harmful are habitual users.

That is true, but they can never seem to remember why.

I'm not an expert on this, and I've never used it. But from what I've seen it seems to kill ambition, and cause effectively a chemical labotomy. Maybe it's just habitual users I've known are unambitious and dull.

The issue is not whether it is harmful, but whether people should have the freedom to engage in harmful activities. Everybody knows that tobacco and alcohol are harmful, but some people are willing to assume the risk. I like to ride motorcycles. I know it's dangerous, and I know I might die, but it's my choice and should continue to be my choice. I feel the same way about drugs.

Which in turn would have drastic and further reaching consequences of drugs proliferating our society.

In other words that stance is telling DrugDealers, Gang Members, The perpetually poor neighborhoods and MANY other far reaching consequences...that you're telling them all......"Eat, Drink and Be Merry for tomorrow we die." and while you're at it..you can all go to hell.

I remember a leader once telling his troops...I trust you to do the right thing.....I'll bet you can guess what ended up happening when they were given reign to as they please....

We don't permit all harmful activities, so which do we omit and which do we allow?

The fact that society has grown to accept two very harmful activities as socially acceptable doesn't translate that all similar activities should be lawful.

Blowing up pipe bombs is harmful, and it remains illegal, even if some might find them entertaining.

The reason we have drug dealers and gang members selling drugs is because we have criminilized drug use. If drugs are legalized, they will be sold by pharmaceutical companies. Do you think the Crips are going to be able to compete with Merck and Phizer?

It all depends on their tax treatment.

BTW, good point.