Sixty years ago, in the hippie sixties, I sat in many circles and passed a joint around. Of course, I never inhaled. Those who did were universally introspective, universally non-violent. If there had been such a thing as a doobie bar, there could not possibly have been a bar fight (except maybe by drunken crashers from Muskogee). In the 60 years since, the various powers that be have moved heaven and earth, mountains and valleys, to find a scientific reason to forbid the use of Mary Jane. I find this quest weird. Alcohol’s health and safety record is well known, but prohibition proved a disaster, Tobacco’s health risks are well known. We called cigarettes cancer sticks as early as the 1940’s. They are both still completely legal (for adults, at least). So why the unreasoning hostility to grass?
Way back in 1913, California banned hemp or “loco weed,” followed by other states, because it was linked to Mexican immigrants. The laws actually cited concerns about economic competition from them. In 1937, the Feds imposed a tax on marijuana, together with a raft of regulations, making it practically impossible to buy or sell grass. So, it was a way to criminalize Mexicans. Later, it became a way to criminalize black folk. Like all our drug laws, it was a weapon of social control.
Now comes Daniel McCarthy. He cites Sunyoung Lee’s study claiming that marijuana use correlates with violent crime. My experience is so vividly opposed to such a notion that I tried to look up the study. It turns out that everything Mr. McCarthy quotes is in the abstract, which makes unsubstantiated claims. I tried to download the study, but was prevented, as only members of an organization could do so. Further research told me that the organization did not apparently exist.
Daniel complains about the smell of pot-smoking. Wow. The folks at the tattoo parlor next to my house smoke cigarettes on the sidewalk outside their business. The stench of tobacco is so strong my partner and I must cross the street when we pass them. I mean, chill out, Daniel.
Bill Gillmore
Columbus
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
