Life With Sulis

The following is an editorial from one of my students posted with permission. The sentiment is not necessarily mine. But I like to give them some voice.

Alcohol has played a role in society for thousands of years. That is why it is so widely accepted. But, did you know that alcohol is the most commonly used and widely abused psychoactive drug in the country. That sounds like more of a problem than any other illegal drug and yet to think it is legal. I personally believe that if alcohol is legal marijuana should be too. Effects of alcohol intake are dizziness, slurred speech, disturbed sleep, nausea, vomiting, and significantly impairs the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely. Alcohol can also increase the incidence of aggressive acts, including domestic violence and child abuse. Prolonged, heavy use can lead to addiction . Sudden cessation of long term, extensive alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions.

During the 1930’s, the American media propagated numerous false stories as marijuana facts, and in my opinion still do. Thus, marijuana and hemp were effectively banned in 1938. In favor of marijuana, no one has ever died from use and it does not lead to physical dependency. It is a medicinal herb that has hundreds of proven, valuable therapeutic uses- from stress reduction, asthma, and as well as cancer therapy. Marijuana was a major active ingredient in 40-50% of patent medicines before its ban and could replace at least 10-20% of prescribed drugs now in use. Hemp also has an estimated 50,000 non-drug commercial uses including paper, textiles, fuels, food, sealants, and rope. But, these uses are also banned by existing laws.

As you can see marijuana serves for many other purposes other than just a drug and it was legal. I’m sure that alcohol can serve some purposes medically but alcohol in my opinion has brought nothing but pain to alcoholics and death to sometimes innocent people.

posted by digitalsulis @ 9:16 AM