Three medical experts testified in federal court in California Friday and Monday that modern science renders the war on marijuana unconstitutional. Decades of medical research show the drug is not the danger the government has made it out to be, they told a federal judge. It’s a dramatic, landmark cultivation trial in the Eastern District of California with national implications. U.S. District Court Judge Kimberly J. Mueller (Democratic appointment) is allowing a hearing on a defense motion to declare unconstitutional the continued classification of marijuana in Schedule I. (SFGate) http://blog.sfgate.com/smellthetruth/2014/10/28/war-on-pot-defies-science-doctors-testify-in-federal-court/
The law is just a way for the government to cash in on the action. Sure, they could do it with a tax. But think about it, the government can take everything you have, over a joint. OK, that's by no means the norm. In reality most of the "justice" system just strings you along paying fines and probation fees as well as fees for "counseling" to get you over your horrible pot addiction. If you ever have to deal with them, try to play as poor as possible. But if you own a yacht, forget about it. I'm talking to real people. If they find out you have savings or a 401K, they'll squeeze you even harder. I know how this sounds. But, It's not paranoia if everyone really is after my wallet.
Yes, we must consider all the businesses/Gov't agencies leeching off cannabis users who get busted, and those opposed to cannabis because more cannabis users hurt their business. That is what is keeping it illegal and Schedule 1. Fortunately, the tide is turning as more cannabis businesses make money legally, they have the ability to lobby governments (local, state and Federal) to change the laws.
Yes and don't forget that the changing of consciousness by various substances often allows one to reject the zombie treadmill that "they" need us to be on. No smoking, giggling and slipping off to the seashore--you must continue to make widgets.
I didn't click that, but I heard some quotes from the testimony/cross examination. The witness absolutely shamed the government attorney, who just didn't get it and kept coming back for more, it was very satisfying.