11 Common Misconceptions about Marijuana, a frank commentary on a DFAF article

This blogger details his findings in a well-written rebuttal format to a Drug Free America Foundation article. For every 'fact' they point out, he points out whether or not it is true (and if not, cites information that is true).

Point one from the DFAF.org article..and rebuttal from the informed blogger: So, you think it should be legalized, just like it has in some European countries? Think it hasn’t had a negative impact on the citizens of those countries?

* After the Netherlands legalized marijuana use for adults, the usage rate for 18 to 20 year olds nearly tripled from 15 to 44 percent. Let’s assume for a minute that I buy into these uncited numbers (I actually do, they were published by MacCoun and Reuter, but why don’t they tell us this?) and take a look at what they don’t tell us. Yes, initially after marijuana was legalized, use jumped by nearly 30 percent. I would consider this the same sort of celebration effect that takes place in those in their early 20s after they are allowed to legally drink. More recent studies find that pot-smoking rates in the Netherlands (where it is legal) are half of those in America (where it is illegal), and especially in juveniles. 2.5% of juveniles smoke pot monthly in the Netherlands while nearly 5% smoke monthly in the United States. 1..... The point he makes here is most shocking..the belief that legalization will increase it's use in among Juveniles seems to be quite contradicted here. It continues to refute the idea that marijuana causes violent crimes:

According to freevibe.com, marijuana users are four times more likely to commit violent acts and five times more likely to steal as non-marijuana users. (from the DFAF) The blogger points out that this information is not only missing from Freevibe.com, but was found to be untrue in the Nixon-sponsored drug report (he had been looking for information that said it was, indeed, a catalyst towards violence)...but it was shown that “In short, marijuana is not generally viewed by participants in the criminal justice community as a major contributing influence in the commission of delinquent or criminal acts.” This misconception has, in recent years, been moved away from by most anti-drug programs (such as DARE and the 'my anti-drug' campaigns). He goes on to hit the "Marijuana causes people to use harder drugs" with this gem (with citation): But since they like statistics so much, let’s try this one out: for every 104 Americans who have tried marijuana, there is only one regular user of cocaine, and less than one user of heroin.

While I am in no way condoning any sort of illegal drug, I am for the fair debate and factual representation of sides on this subject. But the argument used by DFAF is full of half-truths and facts that really are misquoted like 'addiction to alcohol and other drugs..' in an article only about Marijuana..stick to the subject and facts only, please. I urge anyone interested to read the article, read other articles and educate yourself..If you choose to use Marijuana (legally or illegally) know that it does have its dangers and to be careful, but don't buy into the propaganda that you will end up killing your best friend for little-to-no reason at all..or that you'll become a crack addict shortly afterward. Also, if you've imbibed alcohol and handled it without incident, then the effects of marijuana should not 'put you over the edge.' I admit that I have tried both, and am not endorsing either drug (alcohol or marijuana) but it simply confounds me when people actively drink yet condemn marijuana..both can have bad sides and both can be fine in moderation.. I also must put in my views on it's legalization: if it were ever to be legalized, It should have the very same regulations as alcohol. 21+, no driving while under the influence, try to keep it away from kids (just like the alcohol commercial regulations, etc)..and any/all other restrictions should apply.