1. Because prolonged consumption can seriously, negatively and irreperably alter a person's mental state. Because it is addictive. Because it is illegal, and since it is illegal, purchase of it can lead to association with other, more dangerous drugs - since dealers/people involved with drug culture are more likely to have other drugs on hand to offer. 2. Because of my own experiences, my experiences with people with mental health problems and my reading and understanding of studies of people who have taken marijuana for a prolonged amount of time.

A family member of mine smoked it continuously for about...lets say for about a year. So everyday, give or take, she was high. Of course she did other things as well, drank to much, took other drugs. But mainly her drug of choice, even today, is weed. It has really caused her to change as a person. I love her, but i believe her intelligence has decreased. And whenever she gets into a tense situation, she smokes pot. I see it more then a crutch, i see it as an addiction. Thats why i am against it. But to be fair, im also any kind of drug that people use as a crutch.

I don't smoke it and I'm not against it. ALL of my friends do smoke it, or at least used to... all the time. LOL! My mom used to when she was young. THOUGH, some of my good friends, ended up thinking "Well... this is pot I wanna try THIS and THAT" or just, wouldn't/won't give it up. Became drug addicts and real assholes. Sometimes things change people. I have NOTHING against it, just that sometimes the people who use it... abuse it.

The way I see it you can do whatever you want as long as I don't have to live with you or have any dealings where I need to depend on you. I think we could put all the pot smokers in a big room and let you stare at tv for the rest of your life. This way you could be high all the time and not bother anyone. Do I think it should be legalized? No, I don't. I think we have enough people in this country without any dive, why add to it by creating more. My personal experience is that I lived with a pothead for 3 years. He worked for an airline and used to fly home to pick up his weed from friends, get back on the plane (the company he worked for), and transport his personal stash across state lines. So, not only was he willing to chance being arrested, he was risking a $40,000 a year job for pot. If that's not addictive behavior I don't know what is then. Once I found out he was doing this, as well as stashing all this pot in our house (something he swore he would never do),I broke up with him and got as far away as I could.

A note: I dont care so much about stances on legality of the drug. The chances of that changing are slim to none. Im looking for answers that go beyond "cause its illeagal." Some backround: Ill put it out there (and of course you may have already assumed) that i do smoke. I make a point however to NOT ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO HAS NOT SMOKED TO START; Likewise with alcahol. My stance on the drug is this: Like alcohol or any other intoxicating substance, it must be treated with respect by the user. If used, the user must assume all responsibility for the safety of him/herself and the safety of others. Those who choose to use it must respect other's positions on it. Regarding addiction: The drug itself has been consistantly and conclusivly proven that it is not addictive. HOWEVER, addiction can occur with those who use the drug to cover or mask thier personal problems, leading to mental addiction just like alcahol. To those who conclude that i am an addict: Thats really neither here nor there, but ill give you this; For me marijuana is kind of like donuts. I enjoy kripy kreme now and again. i dont need it to go about my day. When i run out, i run out. Months may go by before i get a craving for a "donut." Ill smoke a bowl, have my fill and go without craving for another few months. Lastly, for those who are curious, I asked the question because so many people have a hard stance on it without a good base. I had hoped to share a bit of knowledge and support to those who have had bad experiences or have a loved one that they feel is going in the deep end with their usage.