Pubdate: Fri, 01 May 2009
Source: Daily Nexus (UC Santa Barbara, CA Edu)
Copyright: 2009 Daily Nexus
Contact:  http://www.ucsbdailynexus.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2729
Author: David Sanosa
Note: David Sanosa is a first-year chemistry major.
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n471/a09.html

MAYBE LEGALIZATION WOULDN'T BE SO BAD…

Like most arguments against the legalization of cannabis, Shaeffer
Bannigan's was erroneous and deluded ("The Case Against Legalizing
Marijuana," Daily Nexus, April 27). First things first, I have some
refuting to do:

Citing continued underage use of weed as a potential crisis is hardly
valid, as the demand from underage users will be satiated through
people who can obtain it legally, the gravity of which is not the same
as through wholly illegal means.

Obtaining cannabis from the government and growing one's own supply
can take mass manufacturing interference out of the equation.

Hundreds of economists, including Nobel Laureate Milton Friedman, do
in fact think that the financial benefits from cannabis and hemp
(which wasn't even mentioned) outweigh the costs.

While cannabis acts as an analgesic just like Vicodin and morphine, it
can't render you physically addicted or result in an overdose.

It couldn't be more fitting for this steaming pile of misinformation
to be wrapped up with negative stereotypes purporting the falsehoods
of "amotivational syndrome."

Almost all arguments against legalization can be dismantled in the
previous fashion, because the evidence is largely unsubstantiated.
Their claims are usually based on myths, speculation, moral views and
fear.

The real problems with legalization will stem from the transition from
a nation that has stigmatized the substance to one accepting of
responsible use. Our country has seen a decline in cancer deaths since
efforts to educate the masses about tobacco use, and the same type of
improvement can occur for cannabis abuse.

In a cost-benefit analysis of legalization, when considering only
substantiated evidence, the truth is painfully obvious. 
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D