The Usurper: I think the only reason it has not been legalised is due to the drinks industry. As for harmfulness... they did a recent report and it came pretty low... Baccy and booze were at the top of lethality almost.

As you say.. it is all right for groups like the 'CIA' to deal in drugs when it suits them for 'political' reasons, but as one old gran over here said "Why should I be prosecuted for growing my own plant and then eat it? The drugs they had me on from the doctors made me feel sick with other side effects, someone suggested eating a little bit and it works!! No side effects, no feeling sick."

It's a plant.. the only thing scientific evidence shows is that for growth reasons (mentally and emotionally) .... an age limit would need to be set. But seeing as it's already illegal for under 18's here to drink and smoke... but a kid at home can under adult supervision have a weeee dram.

As one scientist said who works for Her Maj's Gov growing tons of marijuana plants a year (in a top secret location) "If they made it legal, but regulated and subject to tax, standards on produce active ingredients (like tar and nicotine)... medically we know it can be of use (I believe your California has 'pot' doctors) .. so why not do it right? I mean, I'm growing a 50/50 THC to CBD cloned plant. My standards are very high as I work for the government.

It's again.. like with anything, people abusing it (same as baccy and booze) that causes problems. But then again, they prescribe morphine products over here which by nature will require a withdrawal procedure if the patient comes off them in the future, they prescribe drugs with side effects that can be real nasty..

Strange world....