Essay:A Defense of Cannabis

This essay is an original work. Please comment only on the talk page.

Marijuana seems to be one of those sticking points between libertarians and social conservatives. Yet I am a social conservative, defending cannabis.

First of all, cannabis should be legalized. In fact, it already has been here in Canada. The state has no right to tell its citizens what they can or can't do with their bodies. It is a matter of bodily autonomy (unlike abortion or illegal immigration). It's not a matter of safety, especially considering marijuana is perfectly safe!

It is different from other "drugs." I oppose the legalization of magic mushrooms in, of course, California. But cannabis is not remotely comparable to magic mushrooms, cocaine, heroin, etc. It is physically impossible to overdose on marijuana, for instance. No-one has ever died from consuming too much of it.

It is also a matter of criminal justice reform. Do you know how many people have been arrested for marijuana violations? Kamala Harris alone sent thousands of people to prison for it, according to Tulsi Gabbard.

In addition, it has to do with taking on Big Pharma. We have no idea how many diseases cannabis could cure or help treat, because the corrupt pharmaceutical industry is covering it up!

People have actually died from consuming excessive quantities of tobacco and alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol have led to miserable lives and cause many problems. Sure, marijuana is marginally addictive, but only as much as coffee, sugar, social media, video games. No-one has ever become a "cannab-oholic."

Cannabis is worth defending. There are several significant health benefits. Criminalization of the substance would be a disaster.