LemonLily

A lot of people are in prison because of marijuana related incidences. Our tax dollars are going to "rehabilitate" these people through prison. They are fed, clothed, bathed, provided with medical care, etc. on the tax payer's dime. I don't see a reason to spend that money to keep them in jail. There are plenty of marijuana users who are productive citizens, you just don't hear about them. On most occasions those individuals won't go to jail, but why should they have to worry about going to jail for smoking pot?

I'm curious what would happen to the employment rate of pot smokers if it were made legal everywhere, recreationally. When you go for a urine test for a job most drugs are out of your system in a few days. For instance, if I can stay off meth for four days, I could get a job. But if I smoke pot regularly, I have to wait roughly one month. If I didn't have to wait, I'd have a higher chance of employment.

Also, I wonder if lazy stoners would be less lazy if they didn't fear so much judgement. I smoke fairly regularly, once a day or every other. I take breaks every now and then, and I basically smoke to relax before bed. I am manic depressive, and I can't sleep well. I no longer take medication for sleep because I smoke, but I also sometimes use recreationally. On days I smoke a little extra I love to go outside and garden, play with my dog, or just feel the sun. But if I see my neighbors around I stay in my house because I don't want them to think less of me. So, while I am smoking I may seem lazy or like a shut in, but I'm really not. I'm just afraid someone is going to judge me or try to get me into trouble. I could lose my job because I get high and garden, that makes me extremely uncomfortable.

While there are more pressing issues for other people, legalizing marijuana is kind of important to me. It's sad really, that one can feel like a second class citizen for ingesting a natural plant; when you can stagger out of a bar without much fear of repercussion. I do understand how it gets annoying to hear people on the issue. There are a lot of things that need to change, and I like to stay relatively informed. Just know, those annoying activists you see may not necessarily be the majority of those who are seeking change. Some of us are afraid of losing our identity, becoming another stoner who isn't worthy of keeping their job, to be a public voice. Also, the tax revenue for marijuana could greatly effect our economy. Maybe some of that money can go to helping with other issues, or educating people on marijuana, habitual addiction, and self help.

Walking around with a "Legalize it" shirt on, thinking that's how easy it is to cut through red tape, is not the way to activism. Petition, write letters, vote for the leaders that best reflect your views, and BE A PRODUCTIVE MEMBER OF SOCIETY. That's the only way to push out this negative stereotype.

Peace, love, and all of the above!