“A value is a measure of the worth or importance a person attaches to something; our values are often reflected in the way we live our lives… An attitude is the way a person expresses or applies their beliefs and values, and is expressed through words and behavior.”
Your personal beliefs and values are shaped by family, friends, school, church, your community, and influence how we view the world around us. Beliefs develop from learned cultural and environmental experiences. Values are shaped by our beliefs and are the principles that guide our judgments and how we live our lives. We have a number of values systems regarding, marriage, religion, race, sex, drugs, and the list goes on. And we try to use our best judgment by weighing the pros and cons of a particular situation.
In recent years, arguments have revolved around the legalization of Cannabis. Do the pros of legalizing marijuana outweigh the cons? Is there any harm to society in legalizing this drug? How does your belief and value system influence your decision about this societal dilemma?
Check out my fellow columnists’ opinions on this controversial topic on Conscious Talk Magazine.
Cannabis: The Pros vs Cons by E. Denise Billups
Cannabis Is Just A Polite Name For Marijuana by Jina S. Bazzar
Should Cannabis Be Legal? That’s The Wrong Question: How Can It Safely Be Legal by Kim Knight
Should Marijuana be Legalized Nationwide in the U.S.A.? Conscious Thoughts by Didi Oviatt
Should Cannabis Be Legal? Medical vs Habit by Rashaud Turner
Should Cannabis Be Made Available For Multiple Sclerosis Patients? by Heather RK
HOW URUGUAY HANDLES CANNABIS by Poloma Arraiza
Should Cannabis Be Legalised? by Rhiannon Davies
Art: Courtesy of Cropkingseed.com
E. Denise Billups, Author 
This is a topic I myself have wavered on back and forth so many times over my life. I used to be highly against it, but over time have become more and more open to it. My biggest concern is still around regulations regarding usage and operating vehicles. Having used before, I know how impaired I am, however unlike alcohol, there isn’t a quick way to provide a breathalyzer to determine how impaired one actually is. At a minimum, I believe decriminalization is a must. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a valid concern and hopefully one day there is a mechanism to detect marijuana in the system before someone gets behind the wheel. Thanks for the comment.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely a relevant topic. I currently live in a major cannabis-producing region, so I’ve seen both the good and the bad of it. Right now some of the grow operations are having severely negative environmental impacts, bit others are run by people who are socially and environmentally responsible. So it seems to be a mixed bag, at least as far as production is concerned. Marijuana was just legalized in California though, so there might be changes on the horizon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a double-edged sword for sure. On the one hand, it’s beneficial for so many in need, but on the other hand, regulation of production and consumption may prove difficult. I’d love to see how well this works in California. Hopefully, it’s successful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope legalization will be successful too, but like you said it’ll be incredibly difficult to effectively regulate cannabis production. Perhaps more widespread legalization would help, by increasing the supply of marijuana enough to drive down the price. After all, recreational users could hypothetically grow much of the cannabis they need at home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree! Let’s see what happens going forward. I’m sure states that have already legalized it will serve as models, good or bad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
For sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m pro legalization but support others points of view. This was a great article and I definitely agree with the behimd the wheel thing! I’m suprised to y’alls mag and enjoy it!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dani, sorry for the late response. I am also pro-legalization and it’s good listening to other’s point of views and not being so closed-minded. I’m so happy you’re following Conscious Talk Magazine. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s no problem I enjoy being subsribed to the magazine! I enjoy the topics!
LikeLiked by 1 person