Marijuana: As Medicine, Fun & Hypocrisy
I remember the good old days when marijuana was a semi-secret sin. It was a drug, sure, but it was also an act of rebellion against parents, the government and "the man." It was naughty, but in the California culture of the 60s, it wasn't evil. It wasn't heroin or speed. You were unlikely to be a greater danger to self or others than if you had been simply drinking alcohol.
Well now, darn it, they're wrecking the rebellion. First we Californians voted to legalize its use for medicinal purposes--much as some alcohol was permitted for medicinal purposes during prohibition and even some religious groups that banned alcohol for fun, allowed compounds containing alcohol if it was for health. There are lots of reports of nice ladies from the WCTL (Women's Christian Temperance League) loving their daily doses of "tonic." (And we're not talking Schweppps here). Now, this week, Obama has sensibly staid the federal prosecution of marijuana consumption approved by individual states. Who'd have thought that we children of the 60s, a liberal president and conservatives for "State's Rights" would find such common cause?
NPR reported (so it must be true) that there are more marijuana clinics in Los Angeles than public schools. We must indeed be a sick society. Who knew of the glaucoma epidemic and all the anorexics who need their appetite for Fritos stimulated?
Have you ever been to a marijuana clinic? In doing my careful research on this topic, I found that they look just like "head shops" from the 60s. There is little pretense of any medically redeeming social value. They know what they are selling--and it's a good time.
I hate the hypocrisy. It like the ladies with their alcohol infused tonics. As a society we will allow it as long as no one is having a good time. It seems that it is not the drug we want to ban but the pleasure. We will, of course, eventually fully legalize marijuana. It is far too large a cash crop in California to long elude being taxed — particularly in these times of deficit. I guess the only way to rebel after full legalization is to stage a tax revolt. But it is so hard to get stoners organized.
©2009 Jonathan Dobrer
www.Dobrer.com
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