Word: marihuana
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Dates: during 1960-1969
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...only way in which, so far as I see, the marihuana problem can be effectively dealt with, is by an intelligent, candid, courageous program originating in and furthered by the young. It is the peers of the users of marihuana who will have to find a solution for the problem...
...become social derelicts, society pays a large cost. In the first place, these unfortunates use either private or public resources for their medical and social care. In the second place, and of greater consequence, our relatively limited medical, hospital, and welfare personnel and facilities used for those victims of marihuana are unavailable for others whose illness or poverty is more deserving of our compassion. The social balance sheets bears charges which ought not to be in the reckoning...
From the foregoing facts, it does appear that the marihuana problem is of social and not merely of private consequence. J.S. Mill to the contrary notwithstanding, there is no such thing as a vice which is purely private in its total aspect. He who over-indulges in any way with respect to drugs, with respect to food, to liquor, with respect to sensuality, alters the lives of others than himself and his private associates. He is unavailable for civic obligation which rests upon him. He bears a responsibility for the unavailability of social and medical services gravely needed by others...
...these reasons, it would seem to me highly desirable if the legislative authorities, national and local, were to revise the present laws with respect to marihuana, with their Draconian penalties. But I recognize that, as Charles Morgan phrased it, "Liberty is the room created by surrounding walls." And it is for the legislature to draw the lines of what is to be permitted as an open area of choice and what is to be prohibited as a social evil. So long as the legislature outlaws the possession of marihuana, the use of the drug, even in moderation, is fraught with...
...this review I have as yet not addressed myself to what is the most difficult aspect of the marihuana problem. For reasons which need not detain me, the use of marihuana has become a symbol of revolt by the young against their established elders. It has in many places taken a symbolic importance, particularly because those of my generation so deplore its use and are themselves so unwilling to discriminate between that which is inherently evil in marihuana and that which is not proved to be evil but merely undesirable...