How did marijuana become illegal and is it worse than alcohol?

Hey Trinity,
Don’t you think marijuana is bad and people should stick to legal substances such as alcohol, coffee and prescription drugs? Isn’t it better for them and society? Isn’t it less dangerous and clean?
Drug Or Drugless, Austin, Texas

Hey Drugless,
On the contrary, alcohol, in my opinion, is way more harmful than marijuana, which has gotten the political bad-rap. Marijuana became illegal in the ’40s because the paper industry owned by Hearst and plastics industry owned by Dupont was being destroyed by the hemp industry owned by many local farmers producing hemp for the war. It was nothing more than that. Pharmaceuticals, coffee, cigarettes and alcohol have stayed legal simply because of powerful, well-financed lobby groups, not because one is better or worse for society. One-hundred thousand people die each year from alcohol, 10,000 from coffee-related deaths, over 400,000 from cigarettes and almost 500,000 people die from too much or misprescribed pharmaceutical drugs. Yet, less than 100 people total die each year from marijuana (and that’s if they’ve even realized they died). So, pumpkin, I guess you know my opinion now.

Dear Trinity,
My 14-year-old nephew is thinking about doing drag. I’m scared that he will want to become a transsexual if he does. Help! Don’t you think I should stop him?
Drag Drama, Charlotte, N.C.

Dear Drag Drama,
There’s a huge difference between wanting to do drag and wanting to have a sex change. Huge! One may lead to the other, of course, but — rarely does it happen. Rarely! And, repressing ones artistic expression can only make things worse. Much worse! When a family supports honesty, openness and risk-taking then anything positive is possible. However, sweetie, if one is outcast, made to take risks alone or made to feel ashamed of themselves then anything negative is probable! If you’re lucky when he’s done maybe he’ll want to become a doctor. (Check out my cartoon for some campy tips.)

Dearest Trinity,
Do you think sleeping with a one-night stand ruins the possibility of a second date?
One Night Date, Memphis, Tenn.

Dearest One Night Date,
Having a one-night stand is like eating a chocolate bar. It’s fantastic when you’re eating it, yet, it often makes you wonder, “What if I save a little for later?” Thus there are no absolute rules when it comes to sex, love, relationships and chocolate. But, I will say, honey, that the more you wait or deny yourself that chocolate bar, the more and more you’ll become interested in getting into it’s rapper and keeping it longer. Need I say more?

To Trinity,
I want to be like you, a singer, a writer and an artist. But, I don’t know how to start. My life is so set, same job, same friends, same inartistic existence. How do I get in touch with my creative side?
Ready To Be An Artist, Seattle, Wash.

To Ready,
Nearly everyone who wants to be an artist already is, but, darling, before you sign up for that “Artist Within” retreat here is:

Trinity’s Helpful Tips For Finding Your Creative Self
1. Do something dangerous. Facing one fear opens many new roads.
2. Deny yourself something you can’t. Stronger wills make stronger artists.
3. Take different routes to work and other places. Challenge what is constant.
4. Forgive someone you can’t. Resentment promises stagnation.
5. Visit new places. New environments bring new creative ideas.
6. Deny yourself one of your senses for a day. Expand your other senses.
7. Invite unfamiliar or ridiculous conversations. Everyone is a teacher.
8. Redecorate, even with the same furniture. Change your surroundings.
9. Ask lots of question. There are no stupid questions.
10. Start acting like an artist. Fake it ’til you make it! But, do it!

— With a Masters of Divinity, Reverend Trinity was host of “Spiritually Speaking,” a weekly radio drama, and now performs globally.
info: www.telltrinity.com . Trinity@telltrinity.com
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