Pubdate: Thu, 30 Jan 2003
Source: Herald, The (AR Edu)
Copyright: 2003 ASU Herald
Contact:  http://www.asuherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2796
Author: Heath Dangerfield

WANNA GET HIGH?

Freshman Follies

Who doesn't like to smoke a few bowls every now and then? Or even take a 
couple hits off of a joint?

Well there's evidently a big split amongst people who would love to see 
this funtastic plant legalized and those who just want to see every plant 
burnt to the ground.

Now let's get a few facts about marijuana straightened out. According to 
the National Institute on Drug Abuse marijuana is a mind-altering 
drug...duh! It contains THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the 
main chemical of over 400 contained in the plant. The THC content affects 
the potency of the marijuana. THC is absorbed by fatty tissues, which leave 
traces in the body.

Blah, blah, blah. While that's a little background on it, marijuana could 
seriously mess you up. But it's really all how you look at it.

I see it as a moneymaker waiting to happen. Many states have tried getting 
it legalized. This is a smart idea. By legalizing this expensive drug, the 
government can tax it.

Some people will ask, why legalize it? Marijuana has been proven in 
scientific tests that it can slowly cure or help ease certain diseases. 
This stuff is curing things some doctors are just baffled at, like 
glaucoma, asthma and even heart disease.

Most people don't see legalizing it for this purpose to benefit them but 
hey...you got to work with what you get!

A friend of mine brought up a very good point about legalization. The 
government spends tons of money just to bring this plant down to the ground 
(and probably pockets a little bit for those crooked politicians and 
officers), while instead of blowing this money they can reap the benefits.

I say turn around and sell that SH...stuff...Instead of spending money, 
let's let the government make some money. Heck knows we're in a little 
economic trouble right now no thanks to Dubya (But who's playing the blame 
game?).

Aside from that, I think it makes you smarter. From my graduating class, 
our top two grads were potheads. I have a friend back home that is a 
pothead as well. Guess what she made on her ACT, while she was high? A 
freakin' 35! That's insane!

I know some of you hardcore Mary Jane haters are saying, "You don't know 
nothing! Marijuana's bad. It supports terrorism and those Saddam and Bin 
Laden guys." I say to you, "First, drive your gas-guzzling SUV off a cliff 
because you're supporting terrorism! Then go chill out and smoke some up 
with a friend."

But people, please don't take me completely seriously. I'm just trying to 
get you to see some things a little more clearly. Like the fact that 
legalization might not be so bad and that marijuana does not support 
terrorism. I'm just trying to get it away from its bad wrap. It may be 
responsible for deaths and abuse may lead people into a really screwed up 
life, but if legalized I'm sure some balance can be made and things could 
possibly get better.

On an endnote, just think about what I said...whether you get high to think 
about it or not. And while you're at it, go grab some munchies.

Heath Dangerfield is a freshman journalism major of Searcy. E-mail him at