Why did America change its mind about legal marijuana?

[Eugene]

Source: Christian Science Monitor

Why did America change its mind about legal marijuana?

By Patrik Jonsson, Staff writer / December 5, 2012

One month after Colorado and Washington State voters approved legalized marijuana for recreational use, a new poll suggests that a majority of Americans back the move.

According to a Quinnipiac Poll released Wednesday, 51 percent of voters support legalizing pot for recreational use, with 44 percent opposed. The poll continues an upward trend of acceptance, with legal pot breaking the 50 percent threshold in a Gallup poll last year. In 1969, support was only 12 percent.

The trend will likely test Congress. For now, federal law puts marijuana in the same class as heroin and cocaine, but evolving national opinion as well as the growing patchwork of recreational and medical marijuana laws in states nationwide could pressure Washington into a more nuanced position.

The dramatic change in public opinion, experts say, has been driven by pop culture and generational shifts, and also a simple reality. While pot is illegal, it is common at parties and concerts. And despite warnings from anti-drug warriors, its impact on society has not been seen as disastrous, they say. In other words, American's don't associate pot with images of junkies zonked out on street corners.

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Read more: http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Society/2012/1205/Why-did-America-change-its-mind-about-legal-marijuana

[RainDog]

1. k&r n/t

[Uncle Joe]

2. More than anything else because of the erosion of corporate propaganda power.

The Internet has greatly facilitated true democratic dialog among-st the people around, over or through corporate filter barriers.

To that extent logic, justice and common sense are gaining ground over ignorance, blind hatred and fear on a macro level.

Thanks for the thread, Eugene.

[bemildred]

3. Nobody watches TV for news anymore. So of course we are less confused about the facts. nt

[musiclawyer]

4. Correct

And the cultural warriors almost caricature themselves with all the talk about bud having the same danger as meth/heroin
Most everyone knows they have no clue what they are talking about


MJ is not for addictive personalities. But I would rather have more stoners in society than alcoholics

[TeamPooka]

5. Prohibition is a failed public polcy...again nt