Why is Alcohol the GOOD DRUG and Marijuana the BAD DRUG: Another Look at the Government Convoluted Drug Policies

The Double Standards of Drug Policies

It's no secret that our government has some pretty convoluted drug policies. One of the most glaring examples is the dichotomy between alcohol and marijuana. For years, alcohol has been anointted as the 'GOOD DRUG,' while marijuana has been stigmatized as the 'BAD DRUG'. But does this make any sense? Let's dive into the details.

Alcohol is Everywhere

At one point, it was practically an unwritten law that advertisers couldn't promote hard alcohol on TV. That policy, however, has faded away. Now, you can see commercials for various alcoholic beverages, not to mention the presence of alcohol-infused products like soda pop, ice cream, and ice pops. As a result, alcohol is everywhere—permeating our social gatherings, our celebrations, and even our daily routines. Every gas station seems to sell it, making it far too convenient to pick up a six-pack while filling up your tank.

Promoting Alcohol, but Condemning Candy Cigarettes

Do you remember candy cigarettes? They were once seen as a grave danger because they might encourage kids to smoke. Yet, somehow, we've ended up in a situation where alcohol-laden products are marketed almost like candy. This raises an uncomfortable question: might this easy accessibility and sugary disguise of alcohol be contributing to bigger issues like drunk driving and underage drinking?

The Harms of Alcohol

Alcoholism isn't a trivial issue; it's a major problem in the US. Tens of thousands of lives are affected each year by alcohol-related incidents, whether through disease, accidents, or drunk driving. Alcohol isn’t the benign substance it’s often treated as; for many, it’s a destructive force.

Reevaluating Our Drug Policies

Meanwhile, marijuana continues to fight an uphill battle for legitimacy. Despite many studies showing its medical benefits and it being less harmful than alcohol in numerous ways, it remains stigmatized and, in many states, illegal. Once again, our government’s convoluted approach to drug policies comes into question. If public health and safety are truly the goals, shouldn’t both substances be evaluated on an even playing field?

Final Thoughts

It's high time we take a harder look at the rationale behind these contradictory policies. Alcohol isn’t a special drug; it's a significant contributor to public health issues and requires more scrutiny, not less. By reevaluating our approach, we can work toward more consistent and effective drug policies that prioritize the health and safety of our communities.