Products of Prohibition
In March 2011, the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 was classified as a U.S. Schedule I Controlled Substance. More laws to solve laws' problems.
JWH-018 is a synthetic "cannabinoid" which is applied to herbs so that it can be introduced into the body for binding on the brain's cannabinoid receptors.
Possession of natural alternatives which are found in plants that have existed on this planet long before humans can result in jail sentences, probation, loss of one's employment, and heavy fines. Therefore, human beings with their extensive knowledge of organic chemistry coupled with the money-driven innovation machine known as capitalism have synthesized and sold similar chemicals which produce similar effects.
These are manufactured and sold as an alternative for those who wish to experience similar effects to those afforded by natural cannabinoids without the legal ramifications. While their safety has never been demonstrated through years of use and study, they are attractive when the legal system prevents the tried and true original product from being used.
Naturally, anti-recreational drug campaigns have caught wind of these alternatives. Their political puppets who make laws have long been salivating to ban as many chemicals as they possibly can in order to make themselves appear "heroic" and appealing to conservative constituents who feel that because they do not want to utilize a psychoactive drug, nobody else should have the right to do so.
Media outlets have been sensationalizing such chemicals, typically by saying that the marijuana alternative is being sold to "kids" or "teens", in an attempt to instill moral panic, boost ratings, or a combination of the two. Typically, these substances were sold at smoke shops where one must be 18 years of age to buy anything in the store.
Insinuation that "Kids" are endangered is the perfect way to begin a moral crusade, and people will continue to use it as long as it gets attention, even when the reality is that it is easier for kids to obtain marijuana and other illegal drugs even easier than it is for them to obtain alcohol.
And we must not forget that the entire reason JWH-018 is sold is because THC is illegal. The same ingenuity that brought us the CrackBerry, TiVo, and other opiates for the masses brings us synthetic cannabinoids. And now that this one is illegal, another one will be created. Move a few carbon and hydrogen atoms around, and we'll have a whole new chemical with similar effects.
Instead of continuing to impose draconian laws which end up creating criminal markets, demonizing even responsible consumers, and forcing consumers to potentially more dangerous designer drugs such as JWH-018, we ought to talk about why people use recreational drugs. We ought to talk about the concept of responsible consumption. In our all-or-nothing culture, there doesn't seem to be much discussion about that.
CREATED/WRITTEN: 2011-03-23 00:00