So many people keep talking about the “social stigma against marijuana” as if it’s still 1969 or something. They’re wrong.
Even though Life magazine had a ground-breaking cover story on it back then (October 31, 1969: 12 million Americans have tried it…should it be legalized?), and even though marijuana was almost legalized during the Carter administration (until some people did some stupid things), and even though recreational marijuana is now legal in 4 states plus Washington DC (and medical marijuana in about 24), and even though now over 100 million American adults have tried it (and around 25 million use it daily), it’s still federally illegal.
But now well almost 60% of Americans favor legalizing it outright, and a staggering 81% support medical marijuana. That puts us not in the stigmatized freak category, but firmly in the majority.
So it’s time to turn the tables. The relatively few holdouts from the Reefer Madness era are the ones who should now have the stigma, and perhaps we should gently shame them (as with flat-earthers), rather than continue to allow them to attempt to shame us. We have not only science on our side, but also social approval now. Talking to people can educate them, one at a time:
“Hmph! So you’re one of those stoners!”
“No, actually I’m sick, and I use it for medicine, not to get high…although there’s nothing wrong with that.”
“Well, I have never needed drugs.”
“Good for you. But not everyone is fortunate to have such good brain or body chemistry. Some people get cancer, pain, depression, anxiety, Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, and other serious conditions through no fault of their own. Some people self-medicate with alcohol or cigarettes or coffee for less serious conditions, and those are all drugs too.”
Long pause.
“Wait…can we talk?”
When I was in high school..I was busted by the RCMP undercover narcotics unit. I was 17, I always hoped that one day during my lifetime that period in time would have been looked back on as the prohibition period and myself as a romantic figure from that era… such as a speakeasy is now viewed these days. One day I will share my adventures with my kids. Until then…
Stay thirsty my friends…
we’re sadly still “doing” that….The last 60 minutes interview our newest “drug czar” who considers cannabis addictive, because he’s coming from an addiction model having as past as an alcoholic, for anyone who missed the latest 60 minutes show. I am really frustrated with our government having such a limited and biased agenda against cannabis in general, making their own agendas be national, rather than what the PUBLIC wants.
I love it, how it’s called “cannabis” when the media wants to paint a wonderful picture of how it helps with pain, “marijuana” when they want to talk about addiction, “weed” or “pot” when they want to talk about how it should still be banned. We have got to grow up as a nation. We have also have to reeducate what ‘addiction’ is and isn’t.
I would like to ask them exactly how is this schedule 1 plant is so vilified, when it helps children with Dravet’s Syndrome from having seriously life threatening seizures, and helps cancer patients (just two illnesses that are helped by cannabis, there are so many more). AND tired of being considered a “pothead” because i need this to stay alive, thanks.
Take away the politicians medical, vision, dental, and mental health benefits, and make them pay out thier own pockets. Then maybe, just maybe they would start to realize that this natural herb has many medical and mental positive benefits.
Who knows, it could be the acid users of decades that have past most of us by, who are now occupying the DC offices of Our Government whom Now feel guilty and are confused about what is a Schedule One drug, and a bennificual herb.
Point is, Vote Out those who still think Happy Grass is bad, then elect those who understand the benefits and will fight for legalization of Cannabis for all OF US.
My vote is with whomever with stand with US, tired of doing a ‘civic duty’ of voting for people that have no intention (ever) of standing for their constituency, just for themselves. I’ve certainly have seen this happen time and again.
I have been using cannabis for almost 50 years and now work as a Budtender at a local marijuana dispensary (also recreational). My most recent career was with the foreign service, working overseas for about 16 years. I don’t use any pain meds at all, except an occasional aspirin. I have my medical card and started using tinctures, creams and oils. Don’t want to brag, but I don’t look 63 years old and I feel fabulous. Sure, it could be a combo of genetics and a healthy lifestyle, but I truly believe that cannabis has kept me young all these years and it’s about bloody time it’s taken off of Schedule 1.
My problem is that apart from my grandmother who raised me, family doesn’t understand my usage of cannabis and never will even if it is legalized. 🙁