My son reminded me that this is a holiday of sorts - 4/20 has become National Weed Day. I read that it dates back to the '70's when 420 was some sort of code for smoking weed - but I was never into the drug culture enough to be aware of that. Now there are public "smoke ins" and other such celebrations every April 20th.
Now that medical marijuana has been legalized in so many states and there is a push for legalization for all uses in California, Oregon and Washington, there is an added political push to the 420 celebration.
I have mixed feelings on the subject. I have no problem with medical marijuana, and, really, no big problem with recreational use by adults. Personally I think that weed is safer than alcohol for most people. It has been proven it is not a gateway drug, people are mellower when using it than on alcohol, they have fewer driving accidents, fights and long term health problems.
I also think that we spend way too much money and other resources on law enforcement related to weed. If it was legalized, it would take the "bad guys" out of the loop and then law enforcement could go after the people distributing the really harmful drugs. And all the nasty stuff that goes along with that kind of business.
So where is my hesitation? I am not sure. Maybe it is because it is harder to make something legal that has been illegal for so long. In the meantime I will have to decide how I will vote in November on the ballot initiative to legalize marijuana in California. If it passes, maybe I'll add a little something new to my garden next year...
2 comments:
I feel exactly as you do and will vote "yes." We need the tax revenue.
You do NOT want to be a high school teacher on 4/20.
I will vote yes. But I'm with you on the celebration of 4/20. It just seems sort of...juvenile. Is that it? Yeah. Just what Jenn said.
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