JUST THE FACTS, PLEASE

Marijuana has been the subject of smear campaigns since the 1930s. As
the oldest generations become out-numbered, it's time for a change.

Both the government and the press have collaborated in the
prohibition against marijuana, a drug millions of Americans have
realized does not deserve the same enforcement policy as heroin.
Federal institutions and many state governments have fallen behind on
the sentiments of almost half the population that claims to have
tried marijuana at least once in their lives. Still, a strong
anti-cannabis minority exists, supported by industries built on
prohibition. Advocates work toward legalization, but their success is
far from inevitable.

The country's mindset about marijuana is changing, but it has been
slowly hindered by slander from the media. "Informative" videos
similar to the '30s short Reefer Madness films have indoctrinated the
oldest generation to ridiculous untruths about marijuana. Even today,
the "Above the Influence" campaign claims that smoking pot hurts
video game performance, undoubtedly attempting to compare this to the
way college students struggle to combine beer and ping-pong.

The organizations funded by the government have been feeding
Americans a biased view on marijuana for the past 70 years, one
filled with half-truths and lies.

Before the 1960s, when there was no Internet and less of a
counter-culture, the lies on the screen had more weight. These are
people who grew up with the almost-comical myths about marijuana
leading to rape and murder, and many will never change their minds.
But because the older generation watches news and votes, they wield
tremendous power in maintaining the status quo.

The major news outlets feed a constituent audience the information it
wants to hear about marijuana. The news shows the large illegal
marijuana fields, protected by armed gunmen, with officers panicked
about the criminal growth. A core audience wants to believe that
marijuana is the danger they think and the media is always willing to
sell to both sides and call it balanced.

"The general mindset is changing, through the demographic change is
in the baby boomer generation. As, regrettably, we say goodbye to the
last generation, and whether the generation's values are liked or
not, each new one gets the opportunity to lead," said Allen Saint
Pierre, director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

"Each generation clearly inserts and acts upon their ideas. Right
now, the people who are leading the country are the first ones to use
recreational drugs that institutions will not allow, both Republicans
and Democrats. My mother has a very different view on marijuana than
my grandparents."

The laws against marijuana have justly been referred to as a
prohibition, and should be compared to that more well-known ban. For
every Joseph Kennedy who went legitimate with the drink, there was an
Al Capone - a career criminal encouraged by profits to be made by
outlawing something everyone did. The violence and criminal behavior
associated with marijuana would disappear if the drug were
legitimized and treated more like alcohol and tobacco than heroin and LSD.

Oakland's city council estimates that it could earn at least $400,000
from taxing a fledgling industry at a modest rate. Taxing and
regulating marijuana would also create more jobs, in both production
and sales. NORML estimates that enforcing laws alone cost the country
$7.6 billion, with countless more money lost from treating cannabis
as an enemy combatant in the War on Drugs. This does not mention the
harm caused to the average marijuana user, a productive person caught
up in the teeth of the criminal justice system. Surely half the
country does not belong behind bars for smoking a mild plant.

More convincing than what marijuana activists are saying is the lack
of legitimate negativity reported by the media.

Decriminalized states have not crumbled and fallen into the sea, and
the best arguments against legalization do not hold water. Drug
dealers don't have health standards or check identification, and an
awareness program similar to Mothers Against Drunk Driving could
educate teenagers better than current abstinent lies. Adults should
be able to make their own decision about marijuana and their health
in the same way they do about fast food, tobacco and alcohol.

Not all states should have to adopt marijuana legalization, but the
ones who do should be allowed to make decisions free from federal
meddling. Regardless of your opinion on legalization, Americans
deserve an accurate depiction of cannabis in our culture, the good
with the bad and the freedom to make decisions based on facts.

The first step is for people to give smaller organizations and
private residents the chance to inform them and force the media into
action. Then enter the political playing field, let your congressman
know your opinions on marijuana through an actual letter and that you
will vote accordingly. Give a spare dollar to support politicians, or
donate one to a private group providing you with quality information.
The elderly have largely made their decision on marijuana, and to
change the culture before 2025 many more young poeple will have to
participate equally in America's political system.