Reply #6: Because MJ is a Major Threat to the Pharmaceutical Industry

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Imagine if people were able to grow their own marijuana to smoke whenever they were feeling stressed rather than pop Xanax or Valium. Marijuana has a host of other medical uses as well - and each one would further undercut pharmaceutical profits. The companies COULD synthesize extracts from cannabis - if it were legal - but what's the incentive to buy prescriptions when anyone could grow it in their garden or under grow-lights?

Cannabis represents a threat to corporate America in other ways as well. Consider the alcoholic beverage industry. What if it became as socially acceptable to spark up as to order a martini at 'happy hour?'

The paper industry would have conniptions over legal hemp, since it makes a better paper product than wood chips.

Cotton and wool producers balk at legal hemp, which can be spun into fabric for clothing.

Speaking of clothing...how about polyester - components of which come from petroleum? The petro industry has many reasons to oppose legal hemp: potential as an alternative fuel and as a substitute for other derivatives from petroleum.

Finally and most importantly, the government itself opposes legalizing marijuana from the black-market standpoint. It represents a vast market over which they would have little control - and which would generate huge profits from which they could derive no TAXES! Local governments oppose legalization because many municipalities and fiefdoms are running rackets where 'select' dealers pay for protection, while 'indies' are prosecuted and assets seized.