Why do you care what others do with their own body?

I think I took the wrong direction with my previous cannabis questions. My question this time is aimed primarily at opponents of cannabis legalization. No, cannabis use is not "good" for you. It can cause problems, and it can cause psychological dependence in people with self control problems. However, cannabis laws are far more damaging to those who face arrest and conviction for possession. Jail time, loss of student aid (which by the way can only be lost through drug convictions, even murderers and rapists can get student aid) and many more complications all arise just because someone gets busted with a little pot. If cannabis was legalized, do you think all of a sudden you'll be forced to use it? If you have already decided not to use it, then why do you so viciously oppose anyone else using it? Why do you think anyone who uses it should be punished under federal law? Those who don't agree with the laws are free to comment, but this question is intended mainly for those who believe it should remain illegal. As I said before, cannabis isn't good for you, but it most definitely can and is used responsibly without much of any consequence. America is not going to collapse simply because people are allowed to use a plant from the ground without fear of persecution. So, once more, why must you feel such a radical position is necessary for people who decide to engage in this action? One last thing, if you are thinking of saying it's for the children, current laws make it far easier for minors to obtain cannabis than substances that are regulated with age restrictions. So please, answer my question after thinking about it for a bit.

From the lack of answers, and the few that are here being positive, I think a conclusion is clear. When put into perspective, the idea that sounds decent without much thought is blown away. All my other questions received many prompt responses, so the legalization opponents must be realizing they simply don't have a real argument when put on the spot. I suppose that in itself effectively answers my question. If only everyone would think it through fully, perhaps this mindless persecution might end.

I've never heard an argument against marijuana that couldn't be applied to alcohol.

I've heard it was made illegal because when it became popular it was primarily used by blacks and hispanics. Racist white politicians wanted a reason to arrest them.

I have no idea if that is fact or fiction but it's some food for thought as I can't think of any reason it should be illegal if alcohol is legal.

The only half way logical argument is the "gateway drug" argument. Well maybe they've got something there, but if it were legal wouldn't it lose the "bad boy" stigma? Without feeling like a criminal maybe users wouldn't be tempted by illegal substances. It's hard to say as the "gateway drug" argument isn't well proven to begin with. Just because (in some cases) it's the first drug someone uses doesn't necessarily mean that person wouldn't have used something else does it? What if marijuana didn't exist? Then would opium be the "gateway drug?" Again, I don't know but it's just food for thought.

I don't care what others do with their own bodies.

But what does bother me with people who smoke pot is that more often than not, they are, or associate with, the same people who engage in other forms of criminal activities that affect everyone else's quality of life: prostitution, gangs, graffiti, littering, etc...

I don't care if you set yourself on fire. As long as you do it responsibly without interfering with others' well-being.

Everything in moderation! When you 'abuse' anything, it grows 'teeth'!