There was a time when I was virulently anti-drug.
I felt drugs, including grass, had contributed to my descent into deep depression in my late teens and early 20's. At least, they had kicked the whole episode off -- perhaps I was genetically inclined, it seems to run in my family -- but messing with drugs when I was 17 years old turned out to be a pretty bad idea for me.
Even though it was a very short period of time, a summer really, I really went overboard for those few months.
I've mellowed over the years. I've seen that it doesn't affect everyone the same way. It's been 40 years since I last did it.
I never really even got along with grass, and after I had a few bad trips, all experiences turned bad. There are a few good memories of some early trips, and some lazy afternoons on the couch. Even nicer, some mind expanding times out in the woods or by the river.
But mostly, me and drugs just didn't get along.
The first time I heard it proposed that we legalized drugs, I thought it was ridiculous. I felt all exposure was bad and would only lead to worse.
But, I've come around to thinking that the "war" on drugs has failed. If it's easier to get drugs today, and they're cheaper, and stronger, then something has gone very very wrong.
I do happen to believe that grass is a "gateway" drug. But why? Because it's a conduit to your friendly neighborhood dealers and drug houses and a milieu that is infested with harder drugs.
Perhaps a safe clean place to buy grass wouldn't be such a bad idea.
More money for treatment and less for incarceration would also seem a no brainer.
They'll have to deal with age issues, and driving while impaired -- but that already happening.
Like I said, I never thought I'd come around to this solution, but I think the evidence is in.
So reluctantly and with trepidation, I'm venturing the opinion:
It's time.
I felt drugs, including grass, had contributed to my descent into deep depression in my late teens and early 20's. At least, they had kicked the whole episode off -- perhaps I was genetically inclined, it seems to run in my family -- but messing with drugs when I was 17 years old turned out to be a pretty bad idea for me.
Even though it was a very short period of time, a summer really, I really went overboard for those few months.
I've mellowed over the years. I've seen that it doesn't affect everyone the same way. It's been 40 years since I last did it.
I never really even got along with grass, and after I had a few bad trips, all experiences turned bad. There are a few good memories of some early trips, and some lazy afternoons on the couch. Even nicer, some mind expanding times out in the woods or by the river.
But mostly, me and drugs just didn't get along.
The first time I heard it proposed that we legalized drugs, I thought it was ridiculous. I felt all exposure was bad and would only lead to worse.
But, I've come around to thinking that the "war" on drugs has failed. If it's easier to get drugs today, and they're cheaper, and stronger, then something has gone very very wrong.
I do happen to believe that grass is a "gateway" drug. But why? Because it's a conduit to your friendly neighborhood dealers and drug houses and a milieu that is infested with harder drugs.
Perhaps a safe clean place to buy grass wouldn't be such a bad idea.
More money for treatment and less for incarceration would also seem a no brainer.
They'll have to deal with age issues, and driving while impaired -- but that already happening.
Like I said, I never thought I'd come around to this solution, but I think the evidence is in.
So reluctantly and with trepidation, I'm venturing the opinion:
It's time.