In this age of “unconditional tolerance” we now live in, many people are still left out in the fringes of society. One group of people that continually have their rights violated are marijuana smokers. It has been more than 30 years since the cultural revolution of the 1960s, and still these people are looked at and treated like criminals. As a society, we are making great progress toward the toleration of different peoples and cultures; it is high time we extend this gratitude to those who choose to smoke marijuana.

Throughout history, mankind has turned to nature to relieve the pain, stress or illnesses that life dishes out. It has only been a relatively recent concept to view such activities as illegal, or even worse, morally corrupt. In the United States, marijuana was made an illegal substance by the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, and ever since, it has been the job of the federal government to attach as much stigma to this substance as possible.

So much of what the general public believes about marijuana stems from extensive campaigns launched by our government. Early propaganda made marijuana out to be the tool of the devil, causing the youth of America to act out in strange and bizarre ways. From the mouth of the government in the late 1930s: “Marijuana is an addictive drug which promotes in its users insanity, criminality and death.”

Additionally, much of America’s view of marijuana was influenced by outright racism. It was believed that use of the drug was confined to black and Latino citizens. The government believed that these “lower” races were infiltrating America’s youth. As they put it: “There are 100,000 marijuana users in the U.S. and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipino and entertainers.”

This is not to say that marijuana is completely harmless. Studies have shown a decrease in short-term memory, as well as the potential for lung cancer. Nevertheless, a fresh ray of light is beginning to shine on what we know, or thought we knew, about marijuana.

What we understand about marijuana today is far more informed than our early ideas of the substance. Studies have shown marijuana is extremely effective at treating a variety of diseases. People with diseases such as multiple sclerosis, AIDS and glaucoma have all reacted beneficially to smoking marijuana.

Nevertheless, it still remains an illegal drug. For many, this fact is in no way a hindrance to their daily lives. However, for those who choose to smoke marijuana, America’s harsh laws are a constant threat to their personal wellbeing.

Iowa is no exception to this rule, and in some ways goes above and beyond simply making it an illegal substance. Iowa is one of many states that utilizes what is known as the Drug Tax Stamp. According to the law, people possessing or selling marijuana must “anonymously” purchase these stamps and affix them to their marijuana. Failure to do so adds an additional charge to possession or distribution: tax evasion.

Such a law is not only ridiculous and unfair, but it speaks volumes about the hypocrisy of Iowa’ s government, as well as any other state that enacts such laws. They do not condone people smoking marijuana, but if you’re going to do it, surely the government should profit from it. No taxation without representation was the cry of our founding fathers; apparently their cries have fallen on deaf ears.

According to the Iowa chapter of the marijuana advocacy group National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, an average of 5,738 people are arrested every year in Iowa for marijuana-related crimes, such as possession or distribution. Even more disturbing is the time they pay for the crimes.

Under Iowa’s mandatory minimum sentencing laws, an individual arrested for first-offense marijuana possession of under one ounce is sentenced to 48 hours in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Twelve months probation can be given in lieu of the jail time.

Class D felony charges, which would be for possession of an amount in excess of one ounce, or distribution of the substance, carries a sentence of up to five years in jail. However, Steve Owen of the Story County Attorney’s Office says it’s possible for an offender to receive two to three years of probation instead of jail time. Owen says many factors may affect sentencing, such as distribution of the drug within a school zone, and the sheer quantity possessed. This still does not take into account possible federal charges, however, Owen says.

This is a perfect example of an unfair system. Peaceful people are locked up simply because they choose to become intoxicated or relieve stress without the accepted American substances – the alcohol or whatever handful of prescription pills the U.S. loves to shovel down its throat.

NORML cites states such as Alaska, Colorado and California as making great headway toward decriminalization. Alaska, for example, has no legal penalty for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana. Actions such as these are beneficial in a number of ways. For one, it recognizes the fact that marijuana smokers are not vicious criminals, and treats them with the respect they deserve. Secondly, it reduces the number of inmates filling up our prisons and judicial system at alarming rates. Additionally, these states and others are becoming far more progressive concerning medical marijuana.

The war on marijuana in America has become a complete disaster, ruining the lives of thousands of people. The lines have been drawn; alcohol and prescription drugs are on one side, and everything else is on the other. Marijuana is not akin to heroin and should not be treated as such. Additionally, in no way do any of the negative effects of marijuana outweigh the negative effects of alcohol and many prescription pills. The double standard here is crystal clear, and something needs to be done.

It’s time America got serious and honest about the marijuana issue. Is marijuana a drug? Yes. Is marijuana potentially harmful? Yes. Is marijuana potentially helpful? Undoubtedly, yes. Is it the government’s business to decide what I, as a responsible adult, can or cannot put into my own body? Absolutely not.

– Chris Potratz is a junior in journalism and mass communication from Dallas,Texas.