Why is smoking Marijuana so bad?

Question

First, let me set things straight. I do not smoke, and don't ever plan on it. It's just not for me. But it is not a matter of right or wrong to me, and I will explain why.

"Pot" is seen as such a terrible thing, and I'm pretty sure it's because of the title "illegal". Let's look at some facts about it. It is IMPOSSIBLE to overdose on it. Yes. It's true. The only thing I see going against it is that a "joint" is 3 times as harsh on your lungs as a cigarette. I'll give you that. But I ask you: Who smokes a pack of joints a day?

It seems that everyone finds marijuana to be so bad, but they don't look at the past. Alcohol was once illegal. And because of that title, drinking it was frowned upon. But as soon as it became legal, it is now everywhere, and accepted into our society as a relaxing beverage, which is also a highly anticipated substance at parties. Alcohol also has addictive substances, unlike marijuana.

So here I am, 17 and in high school, and my friends try to argue with me about how it is bad, and the only reason they can give is that it is "wrong". Well, I ask them about where they draw the line at what is an "ok wrong". I tell them how we are all chasing after things like s*x, and skipping school, but that seems to be alright. Especially when the one they are involved with is in college. I'm sorry, but if you're 18 or older, and have any kind of sexual relations with someone under 18, that is "illegal", and they can look at jail time. Does anyone care? No. Because it widely accepted. And please, no "we were just curious" arguments. That can be said for anything.

Then I get all the "no, it's alright because I love them and that's how I show him." No. You wanted to try it out, and expected it to feel good. Just like how most smokers start. Quit hiding behind that shield.

Then we have those who complain about how bad all that in your lungs is. Let me tell you something. You live in the 20th century. No matter where you go, there are people who smoke, and you are constantly breathing in their smoke. Secondary smoke is just as bad as you puffing on a cigarette yourself. So your precious lungs are already tainted. Sorry. Do I like it? No. I think its terrible, but that's how things are.

So where do you draw the line for an "ok wrong"? How do you see one as a "greater evil" when both are "wrong"? Which is better? Burning down a building of bullies, or burning down a building of puppies? You may think the puppies, but thats because we just put the title "bully" on the kids. They are both wrong.

I'm just trying to get an actual answer from someone who can actually show me a reason why it is SO bad, while things such as underage s*x, drinking, etc. are fine, yet smoking marijuana is bad. I am just looking for someone to prove me wrong. I would LOVE to be proved wrong, and stop thinking this way, but I have not yet seen a decent argument on the subject. Any response would be greatly appreciated. Best answer will be determined on best argument, or agreement explaining why.

To clarify once again, I do NOT smoke marijuana or cigarettes, or do I drink alcohol. But for me, it is not a question of right or wrong. It is a personal choice, as I think it should be with everyone.

*This question was not meant to promote smoking, drinking, or underage s*x in ANY way. It is simply put on for debate. Any Yahoo officials may feel free to delete this question if they wish.*

Answer 1

I'm pro-marijuana use. Anyone who thinks its' bad is not very educated on the matter.

Answer 2

Pot is not bad at all. It's never killed anyone, doesn't cause cancer and actually helps alot of ailments. It grows easily anywhere and the fibers from hemp are the strongest there are naturally. The only reason it's illegal is because the government wouldn't make as much money off of it if it were.  

Answer 3

wow too long...it kills brain cells.. plus jail stinks

Answer 4

IT DOESN'T KILL BRAIN CELLS PEOPLE.

marijuana is perfectly fine if used responsibly. i'm 14, and i swear i don't think i know more than 10 people in my grade that don't smoke.

Answer 5

I can't tackle the part of your question that suggests that people unofficially condone underage s*x and drinking to excess, but are not logical in objecting to smoking pot since the reality is that it is only on a par with other social sins, not "worse".  I've always been protected from these aspects of Western society's delights.

It helped me to sort social sins into the following categories when I considered the question.

Namely whether they offended people's morals, whether they affected people's health, or whether not the act but the purpose was more important - e.g. acting defiantly. Or whether they don't affect morals and health directly but lead to them indirectly.

Look, I don't know much about whether marijuana's more addictive than alcohol for sure although I believe that alcohol is much more so. I'm not even sure whether you are more likely to want to try heroin if you are in the habit of taking marijuana than if you are a heavy drinker.

Cigarettes are lethal and should be banned. It's wrong to sell people poison and tell them to go and kill themselves, in my book. Which is what the big tobacco companies (it mightn't even be so bad if cigarettes just contained nicotine) do. And anything which is dangerously addictive is not a brilliantly clever substance to indulge in too often.

No, it's not a question of morals as to whether you should take marijuana or not - it's a question of whether it damages your health or not; it's a question of whether you have the money (whether it is possible to do something daring without breaking the bank and having to pay a fine), and it's a question of whether you feel that you have to act in a certain way - either as a non-smoker or a smoker - to be accepted into society.

(I mean "you" in a general sense, of course). I pity those people who drink socially who've never really tasted their wine - they've just swallowed it. If a person is going to indulge in something, then he/she should do it for the right reasons.

Well, these are the questions that you need to take into consideration. I suggest you google or consult Wikipedia on 'marijuana' for its medicinal properties, for this would soon tell you whether pot was or was not a sensible substance to take. I don't know myself, off the top of my head.

Answer 6

oh my that was pretty long, my use of marijuana has drained my reading capabilities NOT!!! umm i like ur way of thinking and u dont need to smoke it at least you know marijuana use is a personal choice.