My wife has smoked marijuana for years. She has suffered from eating disorders, depression, and chronic pain. Playing tennis since she was twelve has taken a toll on her knees. To top it off, three years ago a car accident left her with irreparable whiplash, to the extent that her first two vertebrae are nearly vertical. She also has torn ligaments throughout her neck and spine. The only thing that has been able to relieve her pain safely and effectively is marijuana. While there are notable adverse effects of long-term use of the drug, the pros outweigh the cons.

Con 1: Weed has many of the same carcinogens found in cigarettes. That means it can lead to lung disease and cancer.

Pro 1: It does not have many of the harmful chemicals and preservatives that cigarette manufacturers put in their smokes. It can also be filtered by using water pipes. Also, the typical user does not smoke the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes a day.

Con 2: The cost could strap peoples budgets.

Pro 2: You can grow your own. Marijuana can be grown cheaply and easily. Pick up a copy of "High Times" magazine to find out how. This will also help put the drug dealers out of business and clean up our streets. Which leads to...

Con 3: Marijuana is a gateway drug.

Pro 3: It is only gateway if you let it be. The real gateway drugs are cigarettes and alcohol. I do not know any smoker who started with weed. It was alcohol and cigarettes first. If a person wants to get fu––ed up, they will find a way to do it. Case in point is model glue, ketamine, GHB, valium, Xanax, any other prescribed drug that can be intensified with alcohol.

Con 4: It is illegal in most states with or without a prescription.

Pro 4: You could move to a state where it is legal, or there is no pro four. If enough supporters rally together "Con 4" could be eliminated. There is a bigger political issue here, though. "Con 4" is a suppression of our rights. If we are allowed to abuse our bodies with alcohol and tobacco, not to mention the horrid side effects of many prescription drugs, I do not like the idea of a government saying I can't do something relatively benign to MY OWN BODY.

Pro 5: There is a very low psychological and physical addiction to the drug. Addiction level will vary from user to user. Caffeine is much more addictive and a lot worse for a person. It can lead to high blood pressure, chronic fatigue, and heart disease. Marijuana has not been connected to known medical conditions, but there have not been enough studies done to support this argument one way or another.

Pro 6: Marijuana is a sturdy crop that could be (and is) grown all across the United States. This could help farmers. Downside is Big Business gets their grubby hands into something else.

Pro 7: Many people, both ailing and healthy, can experience relief from pain, be it physical, emotional, or social. I find marijuana used responsibly in social situations to be an ideal substitute for alcohol. The effects tend to be more intense, but for a shorter duration than liquor. It is also very noticeable when you come down from your high. Both alcohol and marijuana should be used responsibly, and users of either SHOULD NEVER DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE. THE LIFE YOU TAKE IN THE RESULT OF AN AUTO ACCIDENT COULD BE YOURS (that is your prerogative)O R SOMEONE ELSE'S (not your prerogative)!!!

Pro 8: Marijuana is less addictive and has less side effects that many prescription drugs. Just watch some of the commercials on TV for drugs such as Zoloft or Prozac. Lack of motivation is preferable to lack of sex drive.

Pro 9: For those of you that believe in the Bible, God created all of the seed-bearing plants on day three. On day six, he gave them all to man.

When dealing with the issue of decriminalizing marijuana, consider all of those who could benefit from it. Consider also what it would feel like to lose your freedom because you have a morning cup of coffee. Consider the damage done to your kidneys and liver taking some legal drugs orally. Consider who decided to make marijuana illegal in the first place. For the people who support the decriminalization of marijuana, continue to advocate the cause. For those who oppose the legalization of "IT", are you thinking for yourself or are you just a puppet on a string who only believes you are a free thinker. Continue to educate society on the facts not the propaganda.

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