Tobacco, Pot Are on Different Paths

While tobacco users have been thoroughly ostracized and relegated to second-class status over the past decade, a push to legalize marijuana is crackling like dry stems under foot.

Already legal for medicinal purposes in 18 states and our nation's capital, last fall Colorado and Washington voted in its use for recreation purposes. And some say it's about high time.

In many places, bills were proposed to legalize marijuana for medicinal use; however, many have been stuck by legislation, thus preventing consideration so far.

But the battle has only subsided; it is hardly at an end. The domino effect inevitably comes into play when states begin to approve controversial measures. At some point, they will all give it a thumbs-up.

Are we looking at a future where marijuana is legal and tobacco is not? It is beginning to seem likely.

Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported the FDA is investigating the merits of banning menthol cigarettes. According to reports, anti-smoking groups claim that the menthol brands are enticing to adolescent smokers and are targeting African-Americans.

It looks to be a house of cards for tobacco companies. After menthols are banned, it seems plausible that non-filter smokes would be the next to go, then finally all tobacco products.

We've come a long way, baby — a polar switch, in fact — from a time when smoking was accepted to a time when it's barely tolerated.

Ash trays were conveniently placed on end tables and coffee tables in homes. Cigarette smokers were routinely depicted on the big screen and TV commercials.

And pot was known to be the gateway to hell.

Campaigns within mass media have brought forth a more health-conscious society and healthier culture. There was a time when we were unaware of the dynamic health risks, from nicotine addition to the realization that tobacco is also saturated with various chemicals during its growth stages.

But still our addiction to tobacco is only matched by Europe's where the non-filtered brands are most popular.

We hope history has taught us something, but we could end up in another era of Prohibition, this one where tobacco is the target.

Can you visualize backwoods tobacco producers, reminiscent of moonshiners? We learned that Prohibition doesn't work. It creates burgeoning crime rates and lost tax revenues.

When the public is determined to engage in any certain behavior, laws see little obedience. We may be better served to allow people to select their vices at their own risk.

REPRINTED FROM THE NEW BERN SUN JOURNAL

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