Should an individual be punished by law for what he does to his own mind and body? Smoking marijuana is known as a victimless crime just like gambling, prostitution, underage drinking and obscenity, in that the only victim for this so-called crime is the individual himself. How can one justify using criminal law to enforce their moral values on the rest of the nation. Is the "war on drugs" unconstitutional?

This attitude originates from the Puritan values when North America was being colonized, but should have long ago been abolished. The law shouldn't act as a "code of morality," but as a protection of men and women's individual rights.

For many people throughout the country, smoking marijuana is an unacceptable social activity and must be abolished at all costs, but for many others, its illegality has no justification or legal premise. Marijuana usage has been and is to this day a highly controversial issue.

On the grounds of legality, health concerns, and social concerns, both sides have substantial arguments supporting their views, but supporters of the legalization of marijuana realistically present a much more convincing argument. Whether or not many people in this country listen to them or not, the truth remains: the laws against the usage and possession of marijuana are unconstitutional, have no basis, and clearly expose a paranoia of many Americans in the acceptance of its usage.

The reason most people smoke marijuana is to change the way they think and feel. Many feel that people denounce marijuana because it is pleasurable. I think that when it comes down to it, anti-marijuana advocates distrust the inner, subjective experience. Many people don't believe in any world other than the real world. Anything that can't be seen, heard, or touched isn't real and doesn't exist. These people don't believe in exploring a different experience.

Law enforcement officials are realizing that the fight against pot smokers cannot be won since too many of America's established are using it. Border patrols cannot keep the inflow of marijuana from continuing since it is such a profitable market. Consequently, let's not dwell on the outdated notion of marijuana being immoral, but accept it for what it is, a pleasurable experience.