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Today on CNN, Tommy Chong (actor most known for the film Cheech and Chong) and former White House drug czar adviser Paul Cabot duked it out over a federal bill that would leave states to legalize marijuana.
I admit that I have never seen the film Cheech and Chong (gasp!) but I think I get the gist. It's not a movie I care to see as I have never found stoner movies to be funny.
I have never smoked pot, not even once, and I have no desire to do so. I understand that no one has died from pot use but many have experienced addiction because of it. Once a person goes beyond using pot as a stress reliever then it becomes an addiction. I think because so many use the "pot is not as dangerous as alcohol" argument (which I believe is often true) some seem to think that there is no such things as excessive use when it comes to pot.
I personally do not smoke pot as I like to be in control of myself, my thoughts and my actions. Also, I have had no real desire to get high. I prefer to utilize coping skills, self expression, spirituality, friends and even therapy to assist me with life's stressors. I think that drug use is a quick fix and it can be easy to become dependent on a quick fix. A quick fix doesn't necessarily equate to pot only. We often utilizes quick fixes to satisfy some need. Food, shopping, etc.
Some have told me that if I were to smoke pot I'd probably like it and then I might think differently. If I were to enjoy pot I think think many of my views surrounding the issue would remain as they are. Pot has a dumbing down effect that I do not find attractive.
I do not judge those who smoke pot and I think there is nothing wrong with wanting to feel good. I simply choose to go about it in a different way. Although there are certainly substances that are more harmful that pot, I think that pot has the potential to be harmful just the same.
Ok, that being said...
I believe that marijuana should be legalized. In the CNN interview with Chong, he insists upon the medical benefits of pot use. I agree that it can be helpful however that is not the only reason I am in favor of legalization. Legal consequences for marijuana possession are severe. Depending on the state or country and the amount of pot harbored, consequences can range from high priced fines to imprisonment.
In the below video footage, Chong makes the argument that pot has its uses. As he speaks he sounds very much like the stoned character he portrays in the film Cheech and Chong. He looks like a wreck and it appears that his eyes are red. He says that he has not smoked pot in two months. Regardless as to whether he was sober or not, I couldn't help but laugh out loud at his presentation.
As the interview goes on Chong becomes upset with Paul Cabot and tells him to "Shut up!" I don't think he was helping the cause.
Below addiction specialist, Dr. Drew Pinsky explains on his HLN show that at some point down the road most every day pot users will at some point find that they are not receiving the same high that they had before.
So my bottom line is that pot is not always harmful but it can be. Regardless legalization is key as it equals fairness. Depriving medical necessity is unfair. Absurd legal consequences are unfair.
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