" Although unlike alcohol, you are always "in control" with cannabis (unless you get really hammered and fall asleep), the world can feel distant and conversation can become difficult. Movement can be difficult and reaction times are slowed. " (The UK Cannabis Internet Activists)

So, is it really such a bad thing? Lately it has been moved from a Class C drug to a Class B, carrying effects of its use to natural high, the munchies, dry mouth and a prison sentence of fined more than... twice? I think.

The above quote comes from a website of activists in support of the legalisation of Marijuana. There are varied reports of Marijuana being said to be therapeutic in cases of severe joint pain and diseases such as Multiple Sclirosis, so what is so bad about it? I mean, so far we've seen it to be a controlled high where the user doesn't lose control, unlike in cases of alcohol abuse, a natural herb that helps with severe pain...

Hm... well, the bigwigs say this about the prolonged use of Marijuana...

"A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia."
- http://www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/marijuana.html

Ok, so yes it has all the good effects of being on a high but can apparently cause schizophrenia and all sorts of nasty mental health problems... and it's a Class B drug.

... So why isn't alcohol?

There are many many more reports of alcohol abuse then marijuana abuse, there are alcohol related deaths, drink-driving instances, alcohol fuelled fights, liver problems, cholesterol problems, heart problems... and yet it is still legal. Why, I wonder.

I don't understand why a drug that is just as addictive, under the right circumstances, yet has many more harmful and serious effects is left, allowed to be sold to anyone over the age of 18 and yet to chill out and get away from the world isn't allowed. - The use of Marijuana does NOT lead to enraged fights, liver difficulties, cholesterol problems or domestic violence. If you know someone who would rather go and find trouble than sit in his/her room and watch animé, scrubs, skins or play Ps3 or Xbox360 then I will stand corrected, but I don't think it's possible.

To smoke Marijuana and be on a natural, clean high and sit in your room listening to music, chilled and relaxed, away from the hustle and bustle of every day life, or get drunk, get in a fight, get arrested. - Which would you choose?

Video-game and Movie violence... Does it affect our children?

I for one LOVE playing video games, I love all types of games too. RPG (Role Playing Games), Fantasy, Beat 'em Up, Shoot 'em Up, Animé based, T.E.A (Tactical Espionage Action), Horror, Thriller; and I can think of at least one example for everyone of these categories. Just to show how much i enjoy playing games I'm now going to show you a list of the games I own:

Playstation 2:
Tekken 5,
Metal Gear Solid 2
Metal Gear Solid 3
Guitar Hero 2
Guitar Hero 3
Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition
The Warriors
The Simpsons: Hit & run
King of Fighters: Neowave
Mortal Kombat 4
Dragonball Z: Budokai 3
Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi
Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2
Resident Evil 4
Project Zero
Lord Of The rings: Two Towers

Playstation 3:
Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty 5: World At War
Soul Calibur IV
Grand Theft Auto IV
Metal Gear Solid IV
Gran Turismo V: Prologue
Assassins Creed
Mirror Edge
Street Fighter IV

Now that took a hell of a lot of time and effort to do, I had to sift around my room and find every case I have, and even have just remembered some more I have after doing that. (Final Fantasy VII, VIII, IX, X, X-II and also XII) - but i keep those stashed away as they tend to be my pride and joy. Anyway, I think it was worth it to prove my point.

I've never killed anyone, I've never stolen a car, I've never purchased a gun and gone on a killing spree, I've never thought it would be fun to grab my elven and dwarven friend and go on a quest to Mordor. So exactly why is it people claim that playing video games influences people to the point where they believe murder, stealing and general crimes are acceptable in society?

One of the biggest claims in todays arguments over the effects of video games on the human brain and psyche are the Columbine shootings on 20th April 1999 where 2 teenagers (aged 17 and 18) killed 13 and wounded 23 people. People have actually blamed video games. Simply because they were fans of the game Doom.

Now, not being funny but so are... what, another 50 odd thousand people? Now, I don't believe that things like that affect peoples psyche to the point where a non-murderous mind can become murderous or turn a "normal" person into a psycho/sociopath.

There was a case not too long ago where the video-game "Manhunt 2" was banned for a time because of the graphic violence it contained. Now I played this game when the ban was released - and yup, I don't want to go and wrap a black bin liner around the head of someone because they set me up and put me in jail.

Come on, are we really that closed minded now that we are blaming video-game violence for the cause of deaths of people ? Surely not.

Wikipedia on the Comubine shootings
Info on Video game violence being linked with real violence

EDIT::::

Ok, after talking to my friend about the subject, she has come up with this theory: "I think that violence is built into every human being, as natural as the need and desire for sex. the reaosn we enjoy killing people in games so much is due to there being no complications, no comebacks in real life. We can kill who we want and get away with it. It stems our violent urges."

I AGREE