Cannabis is not for everyone. Legalization has never been about getting everyone to use marijuana; it’s always been about giving adults the choice to use marijuana without fear of repercussions from the state. So when I see stories about “marijuana addiction”, it’s a fine line for me. On the one hand, people should know that some marijuana users simply don’t function well while using. Most people react favorably to marijuana use and their quality of life improves. But – much like everything else – marijuana is just not for some people.
On the other hand, whenever attempts at education veer even slightly into “we shouldn’t legalize” territory, I will call foul. Some people not being able to handle cannabis use is in no way a reason to keep the choice from adults. Some people suck at driving a car, but that’s no reason to keep all adults from driving. Some people become addicted to video games, but that’s no reason to criminally prohibit all adults from purchasing and playing video games.
I’ve used cannabis with a lot of people and I can tell you that each one reacted differently. Some of them probably shouldn’t have even been smoking. But it’s not my job to babysit adults as long as they don’t infringe on my rights. Some people should use less marijuana; some should use more. None of it is my business or the business of the government.
I feel for those who believe they are addicted to marijuana and that it has adversely affected their lives. I hope they get the help they need, but nothing that happens to them is a reason to make others criminals for marijuana use.
Having said that, if a friend or family member tells you they think they have a problem with cannabis, hear them out. Don’t dismiss someone’s problem just because you have never experienced it, whether it be about marijuana or something else. It’s almost impossible to see things from another person’s perspective with any kind of accuracy, so it’s important to listen and talk things through with them if you care about their well-being.
Making choices is tough, but that’s not a reason for others to make those choices for us. No choice comes without consequences, and those consequences often lead to better choices. That’s part of being an adult, and your problems don’t mean others should be denied their choices.
