END PROHIBITION

That the Supreme Court upheld the federal government's right to trump
local medical marijuana laws doesn't bother me, in principle.

The court rightly pointed out that it's up to the electorate to
change its congressional representation, rather than the court's duty
to change the law. And I certainly hope that happens.

Why this simple weed is so politically loaded, however, is beyond me.
Why our cash-strapped government even cares about this seems like an
absurd allocation of funds.

I know this is not a gay topic.

I can think of one gay, HIV-positive friend who is particularly fond
of his weed, but I believe his need is primarily recreational. During
a mid-March trip to ever-gay Amsterdam, one of the best spots on the
tour was a little cafe called Global Chillage.

But by far, the highest people I've known in my 35 years have been straight.

Mom tells me my father returned from Vietnam with an appreciation for
pot, though it never took with her. The first time I tried it was at
my sister's wedding reception in the late '80s. I can't think of a
more hetero environment.

While I grant there's nothing gay about marijuana, a dogmatic fear of
it seems to directly correspond to an irrational, fearful, narrow society.

Fear of a Pot Planet is silly, and expensive.

Be afraid of heroin, crystal, cocaine, what have you. But marijuana
shouldn't be more frightening than a couple cold Buds. (Pun
intended.) Legalize, regulate and tax marijuana and condemn this
oppressive and pointless drug war that keeps that scary, FBI
closet-case Edgar Hoover smiling in his grave, certainly pleased that
resources are still aimed at policing citizens' private behaviors.