Ah, pot. That beautiful amalgamation of clay and elbow grease kneaded into the perfect receptacle for your plant. They come in all shapes and sizes, some with beautiful work engraved into them, all having that wonderful earthy and ancient feel as our hands feel those same textures that our ancestors from thousands upon thousands of years prior also felt and worked with. 

Oh, wait, you meant the plant? I mean, pot in a pot would seem to be one of those odd quirks of English which is only addressed in hushed voices within the confines of philosophy centers and musty libraries. Yet, that is perhaps the last place that anyone would consider lighting up with this particular chemical concoction. 

Pot, better known as weed (ironically something else that you would find within pots), is perhaps one of the most controversial mind-altering substances of our generation. With its widespread legalization in some areas and fierce resistance to such an idea in others, it’s no wonder that even this harmless little buddy is in such controversial happenings.

As a substance, even though it’s less harmful in general than alcohol (which is relatively unrestricted even within the bounds of the law) it can still have dangerous psychoactive effects, varying from person to person. Some may feel drowsy after a puff, while others may feel active or wild. There are some who may even experience psychoactive effects so strong that observers would suspect it to be fungus rather than leaf. 

However, as with all substances of such a nature, it can still be dangerous to its users. The nature of smoking itself, is one such case, with cannabis/marijuana (finally, names that can’t be put into a pot) damaging the immune cells of your lungs and increasing the risk of lung cancer somewhat. 

Yet, when considered with scrutiny… can it truly be considered such an awful thing? Alcohol, which is largely unrestricted in safe areas past a certain age point, can have debilitating effects on the liver, kill brain cells and cause significant weight gain. Yet, in comparison, it is rarely vilified and often encouraged for consumption, even amongst those who are too young in the eyes of the law to consume it. 

While I personally say that in this case it should be a live and let live policy, others certainly see it differently. And, frankly, I can understand that position. One damaging substance is already easily available, so why should we add another to the mix? Would that not just add to the pre-existing issues that this country has with the consumption of drugs? 

I would entertain that argument, if not for perhaps how widespread the most addictive chemical within public reach is: sugar. Maybe you’ve read the report, maybe you haven’t. But the assertion has been made with confidence that sugar is many times more addictive than cocaine. Granted, sugar is a necessary component of life, largely required for our bodies to function normally. However, moderation is the key to all things. Even too much water can kill you; it is simply a matter of where the line is drawn. With sugar, it won’t so much kill you as make you dependent on the chemical releases within your brain when it reaches your tongue. Just one cookie… well, I had one, what’s the harm in another? Ah, I already had two, might as well go for the box.

While I can understand if they’re good cookies, that is addictive behavior in its basest form. And in America, where the obesity epidemic is only worsening in severity, continuously lowering the quality of life and life expectancy? I see no reason why cannabis would be any more harmful than what is already in our children’s cereal.