MARIJUANA

For most, the very word alone conjures up images of "Evil Drug Lords" and "Crazed People Stoned Outta Their Fucking Minds".  Where did the "reality" in these images come from?  At the risk of sounding like a patented member of the "Aluminum Foil Hat Club" the truth is simply this; the "reality" you know was concocted by not just the government but corporations with VERY special interests.

Why else would something that could solve many of the big issues facing us today NOT be utilized?  Because there is no "big money" in sustainability or natural substances.  That's all it boils down to.  It's plain.  It's simple.

'But what about all the crazy dope fiends?', you might say?  Well, think of the places you've heard about people going insane on Mary Jane.  From the very beginning (roughly the 1930's), all propaganda had been delivered so lovingly by Hearst Publications (gotta love Yellow Journalism).  Funny how "they" call it 'Liberal Media' when it's anything but.  William Randolph Hearst was the Rupert Murdock of his day.  Listen next time you hear of a marijuana bust to the carefully chosen negative adjectives used in connection to both the plant and those being busted.
 
The reality, however, is quite another story.  If you don't believe me, go to a Hempfest in your area (or come to Seattle some year), travel to Amsterdam and hang out at a coffee shop.  Why don't fights break out?  Why is no one running around freaking out?  Why do the cops and stoners walk around smiling and saying hello to one another?  Why has no one ever died in these places where the 'oh, so dangerous Marijuana' is quite abundant?  And if it makes a person completely lazy and melt into a couch, why are so many people up dancing or walking for miles?

The questions are rhetorical.  Anyone with half a brain can figure out the 'why's'.  But that's just referring to the "high" from Cannabis.  You know, the part that alleviates pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, Alzheimers,  carcinogens, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.

You might be saying, 'But I've tried weed and it [insert your bad experience here] so [insert your reason why it's bad here].'  The problem with this argument is the answer is the same as the argument that 'Marijuana creates gang violence'.  Illegality.  You need to know what KIND you're smoking (or eating).  There are different strains for different people/conditions.  True, some weed makes me feel icky (or does absolutely nothing).  Unless you are getting it from an honest dealer and/or grower with integrity, you will NEVER know what you're getting.  For all you know it could be laced.  Even if it isn't laced, many growers have less than desirable  standards (using pesticides, etc.) and will sell crap to you just to make a quick buck.  Would this happen if you had the opportunity to ask questions and "shop around" before you bought?  Doubtful.  You would also be given the proper information on what strain would be best for you and could sample various ones.  Legalization would not only take it out of the hands of gangs (remember how Al Capone came to power...alcohol prohibition) it would also make a better informed buyer.

When they speak of 'Marijuana Culture', although usually said with a sneer on their faces, they are referring not to the gangs but to those of us with integrity.  Those of us who realize the value of this plant and want to create a better world with its use and understand it better in order to achieve this goal.

But I'm sure those of you who don't ever need "medicine" (aspirin, cold medications, decongestants, or pills of any sort) are asking, "What can it do for ME?  What do I care if it's illegal?"  Well, for starters, it can make our planet green.  The fibers alone can create a plethora of goods (clothing, paper, rope, plywood, shells for autos, etc. etc. etc.).  And one acre of Cannabis can save an entire forest.  And the growing season is a few months as opposed to YEARS.  Furthermore, the oils from the plant contain nearly every essential oil we need to survive and be healthy (and no, you won't get high from it).  It can be processed into a clean burning fuel.

This is just a limited explanation of the many things it can do.  Truly, if you are interested you will already know all this anyway.  Unfortunately, there are many who refuse to believe the truth before them and continue to pander to the lies because they want to remain ignorant.  As in much of life, these people are happier living in the lies created for them.  They don't have to think.  It's one thing to be ignorant and choose to educate yourself.  That requires intelligence.  Stupid people are the ones who choose to REMAIN ignorant.

The true crime is that Marijuana is illegal.  It is the only thing that makes me a criminal.  But really, is it a crime to fight crime?