Grass Movement

I like to keep up with current events and have a very healthy interest in politics. It's very important to stay informed and be involved with the changes that affect government and its citizens. A few of my friends have expressed surprise at my knowledge of policies and views on issues. Bastards! As if I'm nothing more than a pretty face!

During dinner with some friends, we watched the Vice Presidential debate and had a lively discussion on a variety of issues afterwards. Somehow, the topic of health care led to marijuana. I got a few raised eyebrows when I spoke up in support of medical marijuana. Of course, this led to a heated exchange with a few others. The most vocal opponent was the spouse of an acquaintance. I've met him before a few times at various gatherings. I call him Bullhorn, because he always seems to be yelling. I've asked others before if Bullhorn has a hearing problem, but I've been told he just likes the sound of his own voice. He struck me as someone who liked the attention, thinking that by being loud, he would appear more intelligent.

And of course, Bullhorn went on about how marijuana was illegal and how it's a gateway drug, etc. The more he talked, the louder he got, and the more people gravitated towards our exchange. I tried to be calm and responded that I was referring to medical marijuana and it's use in treating glaucoma, but more importantly, it's role in treating pain for cancer and dying patients.

Bullhorn countered that the federal gov't outlawed medical marijuana, and I had to politely point out that the Appeals Court have ruled that the federal gov't cannot prevent doctors from prescribing medical marijuana to dying patients who only get pain relief from marijuana, because they are unable to swallow pills and other medications have failed to relieve their pain. I also argued that these patients aren't out driving cars or operating heavy machinery. They were dying and suffering in pain, and for them, marijuana is more effective than morphine. I also made a point that regardless of the varying laws regarding euthanasia, the most important issue is that the gov't cannot force dying patients to endure unbearable pain for the remainder of their lives.

By now, a sizeable crowd had formed around us and Bullhorn saw it as a plus. He argued, "Well, the gov't only passes laws that protect us. The gov't only legalizes drugs that are beneficial to the public's health." He seemed so smug and puffed up with confidence.

So I asked, "Really? Remind me again about the health benefits of smoking?"

That got a few a laughs and shut Bullhorn up. I could see the look of frustration on his face when he realized he just got smoked! It was my cue to exit. The stupefied look on his face was my reward for the night.