To some local notables, I have this to say… "Get off the pot!" 

Certain, very vocal, easily recognizable citizens seem to be in favor of legalizing marijuana.  They'll spend paragraphs of reasoning as to their opinion that marijuana is no more harmful than liquor. 

I can't argue that because I just plain don't know.  Personally, I don't think they do either, but that's another entire subject. 

I do know that some doctors (not all by any means) believe that marijuana use by young people, where it appears to be more likely to be abused, has a definite adverse effect upon the brain including mood and anxiety problems.  But, like "global warming," there seems to be conflicting opinions on that. 

It does, however, intrigue me that many of the folks who wave their flags at the head of the parade opposed to smoking tobacco ANYWHERE, within a quarter mile of others, are quick to jump on the bandwagon in favor of smoking marijuana. 

Am I slanted on the subject?  Yes!!  I can't deny it.  I have been known to down a cocktail from time to time, but frown upon any use of any "drug." 

Ahhh… I can hear them now… saying, "And you think alcohol is not a drug?"  In my mind it is not, but I can't deny that their argument has some merit. 

I would comment that a person of normal size (I have to exclude those 110 pounders of which I have knowledge) can have a single cocktail and not get silly or giggly.  Conversely, I've never seen anyone, having smoked a single marijuana cigarette, who doesn't get at least partially "stoned."  It's noticeable in that they giggle when nothing funny is happening. 

Again, I'll admit to being influenced by the fact that when I was young there were two basic kinds of kids.  Those who were "regly" and those who were "dope fiends."  A bit too far off the other end of the spectrum?  Yeah, I guess so, but we developed a deep fear of "dope."  I can't shed it at this late date in my life.  I'm not too sure that's all bad.  

Legalize marijuana?  The state and the federal government would probably love to.  They can begin to tax the pants off of users. 

As a wise person once said, "If you want to know the answer, just follow the money."