‘Medical Mary’ reform

In light of the broad nature of the legalization of marijuana, this article serves as a mere summary of this prominent cultural issue and its stereotypes.

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Web site says marijuana is “the third most popular recreational drug in America (behind only alcohol and tobacco), and has been used by nearly 100 million Americans…Marijuana smokers are no different from their non-smoking peers, except for their marijuana use.”

Stop stoner stereotypes

There are many stereotypical attributes associated with marijuana users including laziness, lack of focus or know-how, and a general sense of uselessness to society. However, according to government surveys, an average of 20 million Americans have smoked marijuana in the past year, and more than 14.5 million regularly indulge in the drug.

Marijuana smokers, for the most part, are not criminals. They are upstanding citizens, professionals, federal and state leaders and assets to their communities.

The everyday smoker is not a part of our country’s criminal problem and “Our public policies should reflect this reality, not deny it,” states NORML.

Hydro for your health

One of the biggest debates in our country right now is over using marijuana for medicinal purposes. Medical marijuana is recommended for individuals with anxiety, depression, HIV, glaucoma and terminal illnesses in general, to name a few. And, considering the negative side effects of drugs usually associated with treatment of these ailments, which can be worse than the illness itself, marijuana provides its patients with an increase in appetite and decreases overall feelings of pain.

Many of the cons of use can be circumvented, with the use of devices such as vaporizers, as well. According to The New England Journal of Medicine, since the balloon fills with vapor, which contains the active ingredients, the patient can “avoid the tar or particulates thought to be responsible for the drug’s adverse effects on the respiratory tract.”

A patient may also cook the marijuana into food for the same advantages.

In addition, while tobacco is attributed to 492,000 deaths annually, according to the Center for Disease Control — either from first or secondhand smoke — and alcohol is the direct cause of approximately 35,000 deaths every year — excluding accidents and homicides — marijuana is the cause of zero.

This begs the question, why is it illegal?

Pipe politics

“Penalties against drug use should not be more damaging to an individual than the use of the drug itself. Nowhere is this more clear than in the laws against the possession of marijuana in private for personal use,” said President Jimmy Carter.

Unfortunately, the current administration does not agree with Former President Carter. Last year, more than 800,000 people were arrested on marijuana charges in the U.S., according to the NORML Web site — more than 5 million in the past decade. Ninety percent of those arrests were for possession; not trafficking or sale.

Also, criminals who are convicted of crimes such as murder and rape often receive lesser sentences than people arrested for marijuana-related offenses, such as possession.

And, even though some states have legalized medical marijuana, federal law does not recognize these state statutes.

In California, most notably, dispensaries, which provide medical marijuana to patients in the state much like a pharmacy, get regularly raided by the federal government — approximately 100 times during the Bush administration alone — since their legality is not federally recognized.

President Barack Obama has even admitted he “inhaled frequently” when he was a kid, referring to marijuana use; however, he “opposes the legalization of marijuana,” said Press Secretary Robert Gibbs.

Peace, love and lobbying

Those interested in reforming marijuana laws have many options available to them. But the most important step a young activist can take is contacting their local officials and writing or calling them to lobby for the cause.

It is important to remember that you, the constituent, pay their salary with your tax dollars. You voted them into office and they are there to represent your opinions and represent you.

The NORML Web site states that “A majority of the American public opposes sending marijuana smokers to jail, and 3 out of 4 support the medical use of marijuana,” yet many representatives are leery about supporting such legislation. This is why supporters must lobby their respective officials if they want reform.

Former President Abraham Lincoln said, “Prohibition...goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man’s appetite by legislation and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded.”

—For more information on laws, reform and how to get involved visit NORML.org or send an e-mail to NORML.UTol@gmail.com to reach the Toledo NORML chapter, which is currently in development.