Just *why* is marijuana use wrong?

[Thinkclearly]

You’re the one calling everybody stupid and acting like a little kid. Don’t blame us.

I have blamed you for nothing. Who have I called stupid??? I have said there is a high level of ignorance in this thread on this particicular topic, and that comment is 100% valid and evidently demonstrable. Infact their is something ignorant said almost every other post. Can you quote me calling someone stupid please??? It is good to back up what you say with evidence. How am I acting like a child, by stepping in and pointing out logical fallacies or bad reasoning. hmmm… Doing the exact oposite it what I would consider childish, rational opigionated discussion is exactly what ADULTS do. You are an adult right? Then my reasonable concerns and posts should not offend you, instead you should be eager to engage me in discussion, and show me how I am wrong, and how you and your religion/beliefs are right, as stated a good Christian should do in your holybook of choice.

 

[JackVk]

I have blamed you for nothing. Who have I called stupid??? I have said there is a high level of ignorance in this thread on this particicular topic, and that comment is 100% valid and evidently demonstrable. Infact their is something ignorant said almost every other post. Can you quote me calling someone stupid please??? It is good to back up what you say with evidence. How am I acting like a child, by stepping in and pointing out logical fallacies or bad reasoning. hmmm… Doing the exact oposite it what I would consider childish, rational opigionated discussion is exactly what ADULTS do. You are an adult right? Then my reasonable concerns and posts should not offend you, instead you should be eager to engage me in discussion, and show me how I am wrong, and how you and your religion/beliefs are right, as stated a good Christian should do in your holybook of choice.

You haven’t showed me anything. You just use the “I’m smart, you’re stupid, end of story” argument that goes nowhere.

 

[Thinkclearly]

JackVk:
LOL!!!
Wait is it a sin because it’s ilegal, or is it a sin because you were able to pull that out of some scripture. If the former, then is it a sin to smoke it in countries where it isn’t illegal? And the later, can you please refer me to where you got that from the bible, and how from whatever scripture you distorded such words do you not have a problem with caffeine???

A condescending attitude and no basis for your claims whatsoever. If you’re just here to troll, we won’t put up with it.

Please refer to my earlier post about how I am here for discussion and not atall to troll.

I re-read this comment a couple times, I find nothing condescending in it at all. It is a perfectly reasonable question, perhaps you could try and awnser it. There is a big difference between being condecending, and being honest. I am being honest, and this is an honest question.

 

[JackVk]

LOL!!!
Wait is it a sin because it’s ilegal, or is it a sin because you were able to pull that out of some scripture. If the former, then is it a sin to smoke it in countries where it isn’t illegal? And the later, can you please refer me to where you got that from the bible, and how from whatever scripture you distorded such words do you not have a problem with caffeine???

A condescending attitude and no basis for your claims whatsoever. If you’re just here to troll, we won’t put up with it.

Please refer to my earlier post about how I am here for discussion and not atall to troll.

I re-read this comment a couple times, I find nothing condecending in it at all. It is a perfectly reasonable question, perhaps you could try and awnser it. There is a big difference between being condecending, and being honest. I am being honest, and this is an honest question.

“Where did you find that in the Bible”? You assume every answer is going to be explicitly stated in the Bible?

"Thou shalt not kill. " Drugs are bad, mmmkay? Don’t tell me pot isn’t bad for you. Not only that, it’s als the perfect gateway drug, and when you buy it, your money is more than likely going to gangland scum who are also enslaving women as prostitutes.

Satisfied?

 

[Thinkclearly]

You haven’t showed me anything. You just use the “I’m smart, you’re stupid, end of story” argument that goes nowhere.

I’ve never stated such, and I find it quite offensive that you continue to misquote me. I will not misquote you, please have that same respect. I doubt you are stupid, I truly hope you are not so that you have some better points to make in your following posts.

 

[prstoessel]

Unlike you I don’t believe something is right because a more powerful entity says it is.

And that is why this discussion is fruitless. As I said with my previous comment, if you are seeking answers among the faithful, don’t be upset when you get faith-based answers.

Someone was asking why smoking pot is wrong. It would be logical to expect an answer, then, in this forum, to have the discussion in the context of sin (turning away from God).

An agnostic or athiest might seek answers from a different source. Perhaps one where their fundamental beliefs are similar?

 

[Thinkclearly]

"Thou shalt not kill. " Drugs are bad, mmmkay? Don’t tell me pot isn’t bad for you. Not only that, it’s als the perfect gateway drug, and when you buy it, your money is more than likely going to gangland scum who are also enslaving women as prostitutes.

Satisfied?

Hey, you did it! And with a little humour to, I much appreciate that. Now as to your comment:

Ofcourse pot can be bad for you, so can dessert, caffeine, perscription/non-perscription drugs, and just plain old food. Ofourse almost anything can have negative affects on your health if done irresponsibly. Are you against eating food because some people are morbidly obese? Are you against fatty foods? Deaths attributed to bad eating are immense. Deaths attributed to pot smoke are 0, zilth, nadda. So I would say the evidence points to bad food being much worse for you than pot. Do you ever eat fast food? If you do, you are certainly harming your body, but if you only eat a few greasy cheeseburgers here and there, you should be fine, all things in moderation ofcourse.

“Perfect gateway drug”

What exactly is a “perfect gateway drug.” I have been smoking weed in moderation for over 10 years, it obviously hasn’t affected my mental ability, and I have NEVER gone onto more heavy drugs. I would argue that alcohol is a far better gateway to doing some cocaine, or whatever. But that is besides the point, just because something may lead you to do something demonstrable very harmful to yourself does not make the initial thing wrong.

And to your third point, I grow my own maryjuana, and If I ever run out, I pick some up from my neighboor who also grows his own. But that is irrelevant. Do you have any idea where all your money is going when you purchase things, NO!!! And I guarantee you if you tracked your purchases to the individuals, companies, and corporations that end up with your money, you would probably be quite depressed at how many horrible things your money is being used for.

 

[JackVk]

Hey, you did it! And with a little humour to, I much appreciate that. Now as to your comment:

Ofcourse pot can be bad for you, so can dessert, caffeine, perscription/non-perscription drugs, and just plain old food. Ofourse almost anything can have negative affects on your health if done irresponsibly. Are you against eating food because some people are morbidly obese? Are you against fatty foods? Deaths attributed to bad eating are immense. Deaths attributed to pot smoke are 0, zilth, nadda. So I would say the evidence points to bad food being much worse for you than pot. Do you ever eat fast food? If you do, you are certainly harming your body, but if you only eat a few greasy cheeseburgers here and there, you should be fine, all things in moderation ofcourse.

“Perfect gateway drug”

What exactly is a “perfect gateway drug.” I have been smoking weed in moderation for over 10 years, it obviously hasn’t affected my mental ability, and I have NEVER gone onto more heavy drugs. I would argue that alcohol is a far better gateway to doing some cocaine, or whatever. But that is besides the point, just because something may lead you to do something demonstrable very harmful to yourself does not make the initial thing wrong.

And to your third point, I grow my own maryjuana, and If I ever run out, I pick some up from my neighboor who also grows his own. But that is irrelevant. Do you have any idea where all your money is going when you purchase things, NO!!! And I guarantee you if you tracked your purchases to the individuals, companies, and corporations that end up with your money, you would probably be quite depressed at how many horrible things your money is being used for.

So, define “in moderation”. Like how many times a week, would you say? I tend to assume that anyone who consistently smokes pot is automatically a hardcore stoner. I stay away from all that stuff; I’ve been blacked-out drunk before, and it’s the dumbest thing I ever did.

And as for greasy foods, I can hardly eat them anymore. McDonald’s just makes me feel sick. And after I eat it, I make a beeline for the gym.

 

[Thinkclearly]

And that is why this discussion is fruitless. As I said with my previous comment, if you are seeking answers among the faithful, don’t be upset when you get faith-based answers.

I don’t get upset because people are giving me non-valid awnsers, this ofcourse is not capable of upseting me. I’ve been discussing such issues with theists for over 10 years from all around the world in person and online, theists are far from able to upset me because of circular reasoning, or poor logic anymore. Perhaps you should give you 2 cents as to what upsets you about my comment you quoted. I stand behind it %100, might does not make right.

Someone was asking why smoking pot is wrong. It would be logical to expect an answer, then, in this forum, to have the discussion in the context of sin (turning away from God).

And I have asked for good reasoning to explain why it is a sin in your religion of choice, and drinking coffee, or eating a cheeseburger isn’t I am yet to hear a decent reply on the issue.

An agnostic or athiest might seek answers from a different source. Perhaps one where their fundamental beliefs are similar?

I not the type to look in one particular place for awnsers, that is the worst way to grow your knowledge. I don’t sit around with a bunch of athiest talking about “athiesm,” this is silly, I like to talk to everyone, and here opigions from all walks of life, I very much pride myself on this attribute.

 

[Thinkclearly]

So, define “in moderation”. Like how many times a week, would you say?

Subjective and different for everyperson. Personally I would draw the line at:

-When it begins to affect you health (restricted breathing, heart palpitations, etc…)
-When it effects your daily life (work, relationships, etc…)
-When it effects others negetively (driving while under the infulence, etc…)

These are some basic guideline that work well for many things, just like caffeine, or bad food. Personally I hate caffeine, it makes my heart feel like it’s going to beat out of my chest, I hate it. Does that mean it is wrong to drink coffee, NO!!! It is wrong for me, that is all. If you want to chug down 3 dark grandes per day, or eat burger king for breakfast lunch and dinner, be my guest, although I would advise against it…

I tend to assume that anyone who consistently smokes pot is automatically a hardcore stoner.

You assume very wrong.

I stay away from all that stuff; I’ve been blacked-out drunk before, and it’s the dumbest thing I ever did.

It sure is, I only did it once, on my 19 birthday and I’ll never forget it, or remember it.
What does being blacked out drunk have to do with smoking a joint. I don’t like to be high, or drunk, which is why I dilute my weed with a little tobacoo to reduce it’s effects, for me it is about the taste and the action, I very much enjoy both. Like you, I have no interest in getting very drunk or high, but what does that have to do with the topic at hand.

I have to ask, have you ever smoked a joint??? The effects of a large pure joint could be likened to 3-8 beers (depending on the person), or a strong shot of expresso. That is too strong for me so I mix my smoke to be much weaker.

And as for greasy foods, I can hardly eat them anymore. McDonald’s just makes me feel sick. And after I eat it, I make a beeline for the gym.

That is good, I too like to eat well and exercise frequently. I also hate McDonalds, it tastes like cardboard. But just because McDonalds isn’t right for you and me, doesn’t make eating McDonalds wrong, or “bad.” It is just another one of the many things that are perfectly harmless if done in moderation.

Further I would like to add that I much appreciate you coming into the discussion, and responding with your honesty, instead of just dismissing me as some evil athiest who calls everyone stupid let’s move on from that.

Very much obliged

 

[prstoessel]

I not the type to look in one particular place for awnsers, that is the worst way to grow your knowledge. I don’t sit around with a bunch of athiest talking about “athiesm,” this is silly, I like to talk to everyone, and here opigions from all walks of life, I very much pride myself on this attribute.

I guess it depends on what it is you are seeking the answers for, then. Yes, I would agree that going to other walks of faith to discern about faith in God, values, ideals, etc. is one thing. However, since I am settled into the Catholic faith, if I have a question that mandates an answer from a Catholic perspective, then I am not going to go to an athiest or a protestant for the answer.

Why would an anthiest be interested in going to a religious based forum to nit-pick an issue such as smoking pot? The answers will never make sense to him because they are based upon a faith in God. Athiesm places faith in the individual person.

If I were an athiest, I could very logically argue many things that go against my current beliefs. But I believe in God. I believe that He is a Living God. I believe that He wants me to know Him and be with Him. Therefore, I believe that He has given me the means to know Him through sacred scripture, Jesus Christ, and the Magesterium. I believe. It is faith in God before unsderstanding. That is why no answer here will be logical to you, assuming you are an athiest (or agnostic).

 

[Thinkclearly]

I guess it depends on what it is you are seeking the answers for, then. Yes, I would agree that going to other walks of faith to discern about faith in God, values, ideals, etc. is one thing. However, since I am settled into the Catholic faith, if I have a question that mandates an answer from a Catholic perspective, then I am not going to go to an athiest or a protestant for the answer.

Why would an anthiest be interested in going to a religious based forum to nit-pick an issue such as smoking pot? The answers will never make sense to him because they are based upon a faith in God. Athiesm places faith in the individual person.

If I were an athiest, I could very logically argue many things that go against my current beliefs. But I believe in God. I believe that He is a Living God. I believe that He wants me to know Him and be with Him. Therefore, I believe that He has given me the means to know Him through sacred scripture, Jesus Christ, and the Magesterium. I believe. It is faith in God before unsderstanding. That is why no answer here will be logical to you, assuming you are an athiest (or agnostic).

 

[Thinkclearly]

Why would an anthiest be interested in going to a religious based forum to nit-pick an issue such as smoking pot?

I’m actually in a few threads, and trying to find more of interest. I happened to just stumble upon this one and found many things that I felt needed to be corrected fact wise on the subject. I would hardly consider this nit-picking, if I were posting bad facts and poor reasoning in some thread about Christians this and Catholics that, things you knew were wrong, wouldn’t you call me on it??? I would hope so.

The answers will never make sense to him because they are based upon a faith in God. Athiesm places faith in the individual person.

Faith in the individual? Can you elaborate… What exactly do you mean by that, what individual, myself?

If I were an athiest, I could very logically argue many things that go against my current beliefs. But I believe in God.

That’s fine and that statement alone I have absolutely no problem with. I have of course myself looked up and pondered the possibility, I was raised a “Christian.” I have no problem with people who believe in god, why would I, I certainly don’t know for sure that no god like entity exist inside our outside our universe (no intellectually honest atheist would claim such a thing), and people are people religious or not. This I call “pure theism,” a belief in god without attaching any specific doctrine or dogma to the belief.

This position I respect very much, I would suspect a reasonable “god” like entity would as well. What I’ve never been able to understand though, is how a theist can go from “I truly believe this was all created,” (something I find quite reasonable on it’s own) to “and his name is Yahweh, 6 day creation, woman eats apples, Yahweh curses the entire species forever, so Yahweh sacrifices himself to himself to escape his own wrath for the hole apple eating fiasco, doesn’t really work people still dying, do not masturbate, devils and demons, heaven and hellfire etc…”

What perplexes me more is how these statements can be made by people of other religious faiths, perhaps with even stronger faith in their god than you have in yours.

“I truly believe this was all created”

to

“and his name is Allah, he sent a prophet to earth named Muhammad, women must cover their faces, etc…”

or

“and his name is …”

 

[Thinkclearly]

I believe that He is a Living God. I believe that He wants me to know Him and be with Him. Therefore, I believe that He has given me the means to know Him through sacred scripture, Jesus Christ, and the Magesterium. I believe. It is faith in God before unsderstanding. That is why no answer here will be logical to you, assuming you are an athiest (or agnostic).

I’m not asking for a perfectly logical reason for believing in god or empirical proof of his existence. As I have pointed out, pure god belief is perfectly reasonable to me, i don’t believe in god, but I do understand some reasons why people do. What I would be wondering pertaining to the particular doctrine you choose to represent is:

(A)-How do you reconcile the fact so many other people around the world, so many bright amazing people believe with such certainty and surely some with even more faith than you that their particular god of choice is the only true god? Especially when dealing with mutually exclusive religions where if their right you might/will burn and if your right they might/will burn.

(B)-How do you reconcile the fact the particular god you represent unquestionably has a violent temper, and aided and directly commanded mass murders, public rape, killing children, babies etc…The very things a Christian would say is immoral to do? Especially when comparing to the Buddhism philosophy for example where “god” is just an enlightened spirit (with a delightful sense of humour I might add) that could never indulge in such barbaric activities. What a delightful deity Buddha is indeed, one of my favourite I passed by on my quest for truth.

(C)-What is your interpretation of “hell?” Since this is a strictly catholic forum I would assume (just assuming, please respond) that a “classic belief” in hell of some form is common. Have you ever REALLY pondered the reality of your friends, family, people you love suffering in hell while you are living a life of leisure in heaven. Have you thought about the impact that would have on you, your happiness,

I for example (by my standards of course) am a very good person. I am faithful to my girlfriend, I work very hard, I try to be as reasonable as I can be every day, I am nice to people, I have loving fiends and family, niece and nephew etc… I am a good person, but in my thorough search for god I have not been able to be convinced of his existence, and I have humbly prayed countless times for inspiration/revelation. Because of this I will apparently be “tortured” in some way for eternity? It simply isn’t right, and I’m not even thinking of myself when I meditate on such things, I think about my niece and nephew, and other people nieces and nephews of other faith who are going to grow up influenced by their own culture and religion who would NEVER fathom changing their faith to Christianity (why would they, they love their religion) and those grown up nieces and nephews are going to be tortured for eternity because they followed their religion with as much faith as you followed yours? And what if the other faith is right, then my niece and nephew whether they grow up Atheist or Christian or anything else, are going to some form of this hell fire place they describe.

I’ll will leave you with these 3 questions and invite everyone to please have a go at an answer. I promise to think critically about your answers and respond if you respect the questions with a thoughtful answer. I hope you all understand I have no anger towards “Christians” any more than I have anger towards “Muslims.” What I am concerned about is the doctrine, I believe all people in general are good, we’re all people just trying to figure this stuff out. You claim to have found the answer, I do not, my entire position is based on the fact that I don’t have the answer. And that compels me to continue to search. I believe one of my favourite quotes is in order:

“Believe those who seek the truth, doubt those who find it” (pertaining specifically to claims about the origins of the universe/religion/etc…)

 

[Ed_Normile]

Wow, seems to be a lot of hyperbole in this thread! To answer the question originally posed here, marijuana use is presently wrong as it is currently illegal, like it or not those who we have elected in this republic to represent us have determined it to be a controlled substance and the use of it is illegal and that is why it is wrong, if you do not agree with this just wave a joint at a police officer and he will gladly correct any misunderstandings you may be suffering from.

ed

 

[Thinkclearly]

Wow, seems to be a lot of hyperbole in this thread! To answer the question originally posed here, marijuana use is presently wrong as it is currently illegal, like it or not those who we have elected in this republic to represent us have determined it to be a controlled substance and the use of it is illegal and that is why it is wrong, if you do not agree with this just wave a joint at a police officer and he will gladly correct any misunderstandings you may be suffering from.

ed

Hmmm… So is maryjuana wrong in countries where it is legal? I live in vancouver and it is about as illegal here as driving with a headlight burned out. Well almost
Partaking resposibly here in ones home is completely exceptable, and most cops will not bother you. Usually the most they will do is tell you to put it out int there presence for legal reasons.

 

[Thoughtfulone]

A condescending attitude and no basis for your claims whatsoever. If you’re just here to troll, we won’t put up with it.

Please refer to my earlier post about how I am here for discussion and not atall to troll.

I re-read this comment a couple times, I find nothing condecending in it at all. It is a perfectly reasonable question, perhaps you could try and awnser it. There is a big difference between being condecending, and being honest. I am being honest, and this is an honest question.

“Where did you find that in the Bible”? You assume every answer is going to be explicitly stated in the Bible?

"Thou shalt not kill. " Drugs are bad, mmmkay? Don’t tell me pot isn’t bad for you. Not only that, it’s als the perfect gateway drug, and when you buy it, your money is more than likely going to gangland scum who are also enslaving women as prostitutes.

Satisfied?

O.k.,

The above paragraph about why marijuana is “bad, mmmkay?” is completely false and has no basis in reality.

Marijuana, as discussed in previous posts, kills no brain cells (unlike alcohol) and is non-toxic to the human body, which is why it is not INTOXICATING (unlike alcohol) and which is why overdose is impossible (unlike alcohol). Marijuana does not cause people to become aggressive (unlike alcohol). If vaporized, there is virtually no harm to the human body whatsoever. It is also not physically addictive (unlike alcohol). If it is organically grown and vaporized, it is probably about as dangerous to your body as basil.

The only reason you can even make the (weak) argument that marijuana is a gateway drug is because of its illegality, which forces one to purchase it from drug dealers, who also tend to sell other drugs as well, so contact with them will increase your chances of having access to other, real drugs.

If you know exactly where you are getting it from or grow it yourself, there is no reason why you should be purchasing it from people related to any kind of gangland activity, violence or prostitution.

None of the above is opinion, but fact.

 

[Thoughtfulone]

Hmmm… So is maryjuana wrong in countries where it is legal? I live in vancouver and it is about as illegal here as driving with a headlight burned out. Well almost
Partaking resposibly here in ones home is completely exceptable, and most cops will not bother you. Usually the most they will do is tell you to put it out int there presence for legal reasons.

See post #250 as to why it might be justifiable and not at all sinful in your circumstances to smoke marijuana.

 

[prstoessel]

Faith in the individual? Can you elaborate… What exactly do you mean by that, what individual, myself?

That’s fine and that statement alone I have absolutely no problem with. I have of course myself looked up and pondered the possibility, I was raised a “Christian.” I have no problem with people who believe in god, why would I, I certainly don’t know for sure that no god like entity exist inside our outside our universe (no intellectually honest atheist would claim such a thing), and people are people religious or not. This I call “pure theism,” a belief in god without attaching any specific doctrine or dogma to the belief.

This position I respect very much, I would suspect a reasonable “god” like entity would as well. What I’ve never been able to understand though, is how a theist can go from “I truly believe this was all created,” (something I find quite reasonable on it’s own) to “and his name is Yahweh, 6 day creation, woman eats apples, Yahweh curses the entire species forever, so Yahweh sacrifices himself to himself to escape his own wrath for the hole apple eating fiasco, doesn’t really work people still dying, do not masturbate, devils and demons, heaven and hellfire etc…”

What perplexes me more is how these statements can be made by people of other religious faiths, perhaps with even stronger faith in their god than you have in yours.

“I truly believe this was all created”

to

“and his name is Allah, he sent a prophet to earth named Muhammad, women must cover their faces, etc…”

or

“and his name is …”

I do not wish to continue this discussion on this particular thread. It might be an interesting discussion elsewhere, but I have had plenty of them in the past with athiests and have decided I am done with it. There’s only so many hours in the day.

All I was trying to do was answer the question. Then, I spoke up when you gave some flack to a poster because they gave you a faith-based answer. Then, you went on a diatribe about God and continue to turn the subject towards that. If you want to discuss God, start a new thread and I am sure there are plenty of folks who’d love to take you up on it.

 

[mdrummer5]

Hmmm… So is maryjuana wrong in countries where it is legal? I live in vancouver and it is about as illegal here as driving with a headlight burned out. Well almost
Partaking resposibly here in ones home is completely exceptable, and most cops will not bother you. Usually the most they will do is tell you to put it out int there presence for legal reasons.

You’re not Catholic, this is a thread about why it’s wrong from a Catholic perspective. You’re of course entitled to your beliefs and opinions on it’s legality but if someone’s asking why something is wrong or sinful here they’re asking from a spiritual perspective, not a legal one.

Marijuana, as discussed in previous posts, kills no brain cells (unlike alcohol) and is non-toxic to the human body, which is why it is not INTOXICATING (unlike alcohol) and which is why overdose is impossible (unlike alcohol). Marijuana does not cause people to become aggressive (unlike alcohol). If vaporized, there is virtually no harm to the human body whatsoever. It is also not physically addictive (unlike alcohol). If it is organically grown and vaporized, it is probably about as dangerous to your body as basil.

The only reason you can even make the (weak) argument that marijuana is a gateway drug is because of its illegality, which forces one to purchase it from drug dealers, who also tend to sell other drugs as well, so contact with them will increase your chances of having access to other, real drugs.

If you know exactly where you are getting it from or grow it yourself, there is no reason why you should be purchasing it from people related to any kind of gangland activity, violence or prostitution.

None of the above is opinion, but fact.

As I’ve noted previously I don’t believe the OPs intent was to ask about why it’s illegal but why it’s considered sinful. You make a good argument for the former but not the later. As a Catholic if you know something to be sinful you’re not supposed to do it, right? I’m not trying to antagonize I’m genuinely asking as I’m still learning about the faith. If I’m correct and you know smoking marijuana is a sin, no amount of justification will change that.

As far as the legalization, I think the gateway drug argument is a very good argument for it. As you pointed out the only way it can be a gateway drug is because it can be purchased from dealers who may also sell other things and try to “push” them. If it were legal this wouldn’t be a problem. The potential issue with that argument however is that another fact of marijuana is that it lowers inhibitions so someone may be more likely to try other drugs as the part of their brain that says “I’m not going to try coke because it’s bad” may instead say “meh, why not?”

On the subject of alcohol since you insist on making comparisons… if it were a new thing being introduced today it would be illegal because as you’ve pointed out, it is a toxin to the body. The problem is that whenever it was first cooked up it wasn’t seen as the problem causer that it is today. Once we realized it was we tried prohibition… it’s legal again because of the problems that caused. It was more or less “grandfathered” in.

So… let’s say for the sake of everyone’s sanity alcohol were illegal… what would your argument be then? I’m not saying there aren’t valid reasons for legalization (I agree with some you’ve made and have a few as well)… but comparing it to alcohol isn’t one of them. Just because something can be considered better than something else doesn’t mean it’s good but that’s the logic you use when you say “reason X” is why it’s better than alcohol.