Statements below represent the preponderance of scientific opinion. We will be glad to discuss these findings with any citizen group. The primary focus of the drug war, draining half of its resources and tying up about a third of the criminal justice system. The primary source of temptation to involve otherwise law abiding citizens in illegal activity. Marijuana can be grown cheaply and sold for more than the price of pure gold.
Illegal marijuana is more available to most teens than legal alcohol.
The key to the credibility of all drug education which, in turn, is a major key to all drug policy. Widespread perceptions that the disparity between the treatment of alcohol and marijuana is hypocritical, and that laws banning the medical use of marijuana and the industrial growth of non-psychoactive hemp border on the fanatical, have undermined the ability of authority figures to effectively educate on all other drug related matters. This is aggravated by myths which make false or grossly exaggerated claims about the hazards associated with marijuana use. A large number of prominent officials have admitted to marijuana use when younger and have suffered no penalty for substantially the same offenses that have resulted in prison sentences that have destroyed the lives of many other citizens. As income decreases and skin color becomes darker, the chance of severe punishment increases dramatically.