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Why should marijuana, or for that matter, any other substance found in nature be considered a matter for legal authorities? These are not products that have been created by evil people to do harm. They do not contaminate our air or water. Used in limited form they actually have medical properties that improve the quality of health for some users.

No, the problem doesn't lie in the natural substance but in the abuse of it by its partaker. As a psychotropic drug (1) marijuana is capable of affecting the mind, emotions, and behavior. But to the degree it does depends primarily on the individual makeup and chemistry of each user. Reactions to the mind altering state of marijuana range from mild to high levels of energy and activity, none of which pose a threat to society

The main chemical component of marijuana found in the cannabis plant is Tetrahydrocannabinol (2) or better known for its abbreviated nomenclature, THC. Research has shown, (3) based on animal studies, that the characteristics of THC have a natural analgesic effect for pain use and "[t]here has never been a documented human fatality from overdosing on tetrahydrocannabinol or cannabis". So the fear of "legalizing" marijuana appears to lie in the public's perception of the reactions to its use and not for any life-threatening results.

If this were a legitimate reason to ban the use of marijuana then what's the defense for other behavior-altering products that are legally sold in this country, alcohol being the predominate example. The variations of alcohol abuse range from the "giddy drunk", often associated with the excesses of feminine imbibing, to one of the "ugly drunk"; the loud mouth bully at the party or the wife beater-type The altered states resulting from alcohol use and abuse are tolerated because alcohol consumption has a longer history within our culture. The economic forces that have evolved from its manufacturing and distribution are not only ingrained in our way of life but have developed quasi-legal protection over the years under the auspices of "free-enterprise" and the rights of individuals.

Furthermore, the acceptance of alcohol has been incorporated into our culture by American artists whose renown was associated with heavy drinking such as Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Dorothy Parker and Eugene O'Neill. It is also a part of traditional customs to "drink a round " to a loved one or toast a celebration with a drink of some alcoholic concoction. For the longest time some

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