Is it really the "Devils Lettuce"?

Most people have a strong stance on the use of marijuana.  Most people that aren't users are strongly against the use of it.  Most people that are users are totally for it.  I am a special occasion- having never used it (I know it's hard to believe, people tell me I look stoned all the time), but being totally for the legalization of marijuana as well as hemp.  

"Marijuana! Heavens, oh yeah. It’s just the stupidest law possible, given history. You don’t stop people from doing what they want to do, so forget about making it unlawful. You’re just making criminals out of people who aren’t engaged in criminal activity. And we’re spending zillions of dollars trying to fight a war we can’t win! We could make zillions, just legalize it and tax it like we do liquor. It’s stupid."  Now who do you think would say something like that? Some washed-up hippie? Wrong, this quote was spoken by the famous Morgan Freeman. (Huffington Post)  This quote pretty much sums up my ideas of the marijuana legalization.  Marijuana is just as (or less) addictive than alcohol and tobacco.  Also, no deaths have been attributed to pot.  While thousands die each year from tobacco and alcohol overdose as well as relateable incidents (car crashes, etc.).    Johnny Depp makes a perfect case: "I'm not a great pothead or anything like that… but weed is much, much less dangerous than alcohol."

The most beneficial part of legalizing the plant, would be for hemp.  Hemp is a larger, courser plant with less THC content (active drug in marijuana).  Uses of hemp include: clothing, nutrition, body care (lotions etc.), paper, fuel, plastic alternatives, and a variety of other items.  Using hemp would be a good way for people to become less fossil-fuel dependent.  Instead of cutting down the forests for paper, hemp could be used since it only takes months for a field to grow.   

I'm not saying that you should think the same way I do, but if you are against the use of weed, it wouldn't be "required" for you to use.  If recreational use was taxed and limited like alcohol (21 age limit, no public use),  I don't think it would be too harmful to people against it's use.  Even if recreational use wouldn't be allowed, I definitely think hemp should be legalized.  Canada has allowed it (hemp), and several countries have followed.   In the words of Thomas Jefferson, ""Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth & protection of the country."