WANNA GET HIGH?

Freshman Follies

Who doesn't like to smoke a few bowls every now and then? Or even take a
couple hits off of a joint?

Well there's evidently a big split amongst people who would love to see
this funtastic plant legalized and those who just want to see every plant
burnt to the ground.

Now let's get a few facts about marijuana straightened out. According to
the National Institute on Drug Abuse marijuana is a mind-altering
drug...duh! It contains THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the
main chemical of over 400 contained in the plant. The THC content affects
the potency of the marijuana. THC is absorbed by fatty tissues, which leave
traces in the body.

Blah, blah, blah. While that's a little background on it, marijuana could
seriously mess you up. But it's really all how you look at it.

I see it as a moneymaker waiting to happen. Many states have tried getting
it legalized. This is a smart idea. By legalizing this expensive drug, the
government can tax it.

Some people will ask, why legalize it? Marijuana has been proven in
scientific tests that it can slowly cure or help ease certain diseases.
This stuff is curing things some doctors are just baffled at, like
glaucoma, asthma and even heart disease.

Most people don't see legalizing it for this purpose to benefit them but
hey...you got to work with what you get!

A friend of mine brought up a very good point about legalization. The
government spends tons of money just to bring this plant down to the ground
(and probably pockets a little bit for those crooked politicians and
officers), while instead of blowing this money they can reap the benefits.

I say turn around and sell that SH...stuff...Instead of spending money,
let's let the government make some money. Heck knows we're in a little
economic trouble right now no thanks to Dubya (But who's playing the blame
game?).

Aside from that, I think it makes you smarter. From my graduating class,
our top two grads were potheads. I have a friend back home that is a
pothead as well. Guess what she made on her ACT, while she was high? A
freakin' 35! That's insane!

I know some of you hardcore Mary Jane haters are saying, "You don't know
nothing! Marijuana's bad. It supports terrorism and those Saddam and Bin
Laden guys." I say to you, "First, drive your gas-guzzling SUV off a cliff
because you're supporting terrorism! Then go chill out and smoke some up
with a friend."

But people, please don't take me completely seriously. I'm just trying to
get you to see some things a little more clearly. Like the fact that
legalization might not be so bad and that marijuana does not support
terrorism. I'm just trying to get it away from its bad wrap. It may be
responsible for deaths and abuse may lead people into a really screwed up
life, but if legalized I'm sure some balance can be made and things could
possibly get better.

On an endnote, just think about what I said...whether you get high to think
about it or not. And while you're at it, go grab some munchies.

Heath Dangerfield is a freshman journalism major of Searcy. E-mail him at
greenpartycommie@hotmail.com.