By: Shelby Wells

Some studies have shown as many as 41% of United States citizens are in favor of the legalization of marijuana. Some dream of the day when they can pull out their lighters, spark up something a bit stronger than tobacco, and freely step outside of their homes and gloriously walk down the smoke-filled streets. Seeing police officers at every corner, and for the first time, not instantly being filled with dread and paranoia because “they know!”. The legalization of pot is imminent, but some advocates out there put the cause ten steps backwards every time you open your smoke-filled mouth.

“It’s a plant, so it can’t possibly be bad for you!”

Possibly the most common and simultaneously most ignorant pro-marijuana legalization argument I have come across. No plants are bad for you, you say? Tell that to the 443,000 people who die annually due to tobacco related diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana smoke contains 50-70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than cigarette smoke. While marijuana is recorded as the cause for zero deaths in history, to say that there are no averse affects is just plain preposterous. However, as marijuana has caused no deaths, it’s hard to argue that the effects of marijuana are less substantial than tobacco. This raises the question as to why the lesser of two (debatably) “evils” are illegal.

“Marijuana is not a gateway drug”

This one is iffy. While I am sure those who have dabbled in harder drugs smoked marijuana before they got into such, that doesn’t necessarily mean marijuana is the reason they have done so. Those predisposed to drugs use (which can be traced through genetics) will be more likely to smoke marijuana and graduate to harder drug use. Marijuana comes first as it is the most readily available.

“Marijuana users have no motivation and can’t succeed in life.”

Most people who are highly motivated will remain highly motivated regardless of if one chooses to partake in the use of marijuana or not. While there are some exceptions that let marijuana use consume their life, this is typically not the case. The list of successful people who have admittedly smoke marijuana is endless. For instance, take Michael Phelps, winner of sixteen Olympic medals…who also happens to have smoked marijuana. Doesn’t seem to have hindered his motivation to succeed, has it?