I wonder, have you actually researched the issue or are you reacting based on years of conditioning? Some of yours statements are problematic and not reflective of historically known truths.

First, there is zero evidence that prohibition is effective in reducing marijuana use anywhere. In every state in the US it has been illegal for decades, yet every single year its use increases. So, it doesn't really follow that making it legal will create "another trouble-laden, “weed” addicted, welfare-dependent class of needy citizens."

Also, its misleading to suggest marijuana is going to create addicts, as it isn't addictive in the way that alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, or heroin are. In fact, many studies show it isn't addictive at all beyond habit forming.

Further, I think if you look at the facts, incarceration of non-violent drug offenders causes more family break-ups than does simple marijuana use. Incarceration of non-violent offenders of any type is immoral and in this country the courts cannot be counted on to provide justice because prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges are allowed to own stock in private companies that incarcerate people on Government contracts. This gives the "justice system" a financial incentive to lock people away, and the conviction rate is staggering.

Further, if you actually look at the states that have made recreational and medical marijuana legal, they are quite happy with the financial windfall. It's not like we have to guess what would happen anymore, we actually know.

Finally, I'd like to address the issue from a Christian perspective. First, Marijuana is a plant, made by the same creator that made humans. Do you think it was unintentional that it would have so many effects on the human body? Doesn't that make you at least stop to ask why God would create such a plant? It's not a drug, because drugs are created by man. It's a plant, and quite frankly, one of the most useful plants humans have ever encountered. It can be eaten, used for all kinds of industrial products, used as medicine, or used to help unwind.

Sure, it can be abused, but what can't? Are we as Christians going to go around the world and force people at gunpoint to comply to our moral standards? How is that any different than Islam?

I know there have been unending propaganda campaigns against cannabis, organized by chemical and pharmaceutical companies, but it's time we started trying to pull back a little and look at things objectively. How much trouble did marijuana really cause in the societies that have allowed it throughout history? Isn't it at least possible that it is less harmful than many of the pharmaceutical drugs (pharmekia) currently wreaking havoc on our society?

One last thing. When did Jesus command His followers to force non-believers to behave?