(Washington Insider Magazine) – The world can be a perplexing and contradictory place, filled with baffling rules and illogical reasoning. One glaring example of this is the contrasting legality of alcohol and tobacco, which are widely accepted, while weed remains illegal in many parts of the world.
However, there are exceptions, such as Amsterdam, where weed, alcohol, and tobacco are all legally available. This raises the question: why is weed illegal, but alcohol isn’t? In this article, we will share with you the reasons behind this disparity and examine whether there is any justifiable rationale. While alcohol and tobacco contribute to numerous deaths, weed remains prohibited. So, let’s dive into the subject and uncover the truth.
Understanding the concept of legalization is essential before we delve into the history and legality of alcohol and weed. Legalization refers to a government’s approval of a particular substance or activity. However, it’s common for governments to legalize certain aspects while keeping others prohibited.
For instance, CBD weed is legal in the United Kingdom, while THC weed is not, even though both are derived from the cannabis plant. The discrepancy between legalizing different components of the same plant raises questions about the underlying message of these decisions.
Governments often consider the potential consequences and the precedent that legalizing marijuana might set for future drug legislation. These considerations are often more about the political message than the substance itself.
Why Is Weed Illegal, But Alcohol Isn’t?
Why is weed illegal, but alcohol isn’t? This is a question that puzzles many. Alcohol, a substance responsible for thousands of deaths annually, often leads to depression, aggression, and dangerous behavior. On the other hand, cannabis rarely triggers aggression. No one becomes combative after using a dry herb vaporizer.
So, what makes alcohol legal?
The truth is that alcohol has deep roots in society. It has been consumed for centuries, enjoyed by people from all walks of life. The United States learned this lesson in the 1920s when the prohibition of alcohol led to disastrous consequences. People always find ways to sell and purchase it, whether legal or not.
But isn’t the same true for marijuana? Both substances are natural, existing on Earth long before humans. People continue to buy and sell marijuana, regardless of its legal status. However, there is a historical difference. Throughout history, alcohol has been associated with the upper classes. Even today, certain spirits and champagnes are exclusive to the top 1% of society. In contrast, governments have often targeted marijuana, linking it strategically with crime and minority groups to justify its prohibition.
Perhaps the reason alcohol is legal while marijuana is not lies in the influence of the top 1%. They may have vested interests in maintaining the status quo. But if alcohol, tobacco, and weed have all existed for centuries and are natural substances, why are they not treated equally? In 2019, cannabis-related deaths numbered 31, a significantly lower figure compared to alcohol and tobacco. So, why is weed still illegal?
The answer lies in the perception of marijuana as a drug. While alcohol and nicotine are also drugs, they are regarded separately. Marijuana is often grouped with substances like cocaine, MDMA, and ketamine. This distinction is unjustified, considering that marijuana is evidently safer than alcohol and tobacco. The only logical explanation for its illegalization is that the government does not want it. It might be due to unfair associations between cannabis and crime and anti-establishment movements.
Historical events like Woodstock, where people smoked joints and protested against the Vietnam War, or annual gatherings in Hyde Park on April 20th, where thousands advocate for weed and rally against global injustices, could contribute to the government’s unfounded fear and opposition. However, the truth is that marijuana will eventually become legal again. It’s only a matter of time.
Final Words: Why Is Weed Illegal But Alcohol Isn’t?
The disparity between the legality of weed and alcohol has long been a subject of debate. Despite alcohol’s potential for addiction, health risks, and societal harm, it remains legally accessible in many parts of the world. Meanwhile, cannabis, which boasts medicinal benefits and a lower risk of physical addiction, continues to be criminalized in numerous jurisdictions.
The contrasting treatment can be attributed to historical factors, cultural biases, and the influence of powerful interest groups. However, as attitudes towards marijuana evolve and its potential benefits become more recognized, the ongoing prohibition raises questions about the underlying motives and fairness of the current legal framework surrounding these substances
