Puff the magic dragon

Re: “Time for weed to bloom,” (Editorial, Jan 14).

In an economy that could use any economic stimulus at this point to bolster the nation, legalising marijuana for recreational use would be a great factor on many levels.

First, it would reduce the amount of resources expended on criminal prosecutions and incarceration.

Second, it would be a major draw and attraction for tourism. Not only would travellers enjoy having the same freedoms they have at home, it would attract those that would like to try it. Whether Thailand likes it or not, there exists a global cultural narrative about “Thai Stick”. Capitalising on this with a marketing strategy through hosting an annual “Thai Stick Cup” would be easy.

Third, it would add untold revenue to the national coffers through taxation. Most of the political resistance to this comes from criminal elements that avoid taxes through the product being illegal and the higher prices that illegality demands.

Finally, as a social lubricant, there are no deaths directly associated with usage unlike with alcohol consumption. It is one of the safest substances that mankind has used for millennia before the Drug Acts of the 70s.

When compared to the total benefits from medicinal and recreational usage, there is no logical reason to continually resist this for purely political and misguided morality ideals.

After all, how can Nature be illegal? If your brain has natural receptors for cannabinoids, then the usage is naturally expected and part of the design. DARIUS HOBER