Should We Legalize Pot?

When Sir Walter Raleigh first lit up in the court of Queen Elizabeth someone doused him with water because they thought he'd caught fire. Many of smoking's detractors probably wish they could do that today. Does the fact that millions engage in an activity mean that it should be normalized. We know what has become of the addicting habit of smoking, the health concerns, and the trials of those who attempt to quit. We are also aware of what came of the temperance movement and prohibition and the shot in the arm it gave organized crime.

Legalizing pot and taxing it will earn governments billions and deprive Biker Gangs of a profitable line. While I believe that criminalizing pot has wasted police time, over-loaded the courts, and introduced thousands to the underworld I'm not certain I believe that legalizing it will be a wise move. The government is in effect engaging in a mass drug trial. It may take several generations before we become aware of the true effects of smoking pot. What of the potential health costs of its use?

In the next year governments on all levels will be working out the protocols surrounding pot use. Driving, operating heavy equipment, and other public activities will continue to be banned while under its effects. Businesses, Airlines and other transportation companies will be caught will be caught establishing acceptable limits of recreational use of a drug that remains in the smoker's system for weeks and months after use. Both students and teachers in schools will need to be sober. Locations that presently ban the smoking of Tobacco will logically ban pot. What of my right to a smoke-free environment?