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  2. First of all, thank you for your willingness to speak on one of the most tabooed topics. However, with all due respect, I have to say that the lines of arguments put forth by the orator for the motion is very fallacious, hence misleading. (I am assuming that when he is saying "Ganja" he is referring to "marijuana")
    Let's dismantle his lines of reasoning:
    1. ""Ganja' as 1 of the 5 most important vegetative plants," as mentioned in Hindu scripture. That could be true, given the historical milieu. But this is completely different for us, especially as the potency of the marijuana has increased since 1960's, i.e. the THC level is very high in today's marijuana. In the past the THC level used to be around 2-3%, but this has drastically increased to 20-30%. Remind you, that THC is highly Psychoactive chemical found in Marijuana that has been associated with the increased rick of Psychosis, Schizophrenia specifically. The scientific studies from the European countries and U.K. show the link in between Marijuana and Psychosis and violence. Tragically, in US, most of the studies have ignored that study so that marijuana legalization can be put forward.

    2. "Ganja khayera cancer hunna…JPT" This is so much an unfounded assertion, and assertion doesn't tantamount to evidence. He has flippantly said "THC kills cancer cells"; this is nowhere to be found yet, evidences are mixed. Furthermore, he also mentioned Steve Jobs, who said, according to the orator, "Ganja helped him (Steve Jobs)." Ironically, Steve Jobs died of one of the rarest pancreatic cancers. Yes, chronic and severe cancer patients have found marijuana useful, esp. the CBD ingredients and not THC, but this doesn't mean marijuana cures cancer.
    Marijuana may relieve the temporary symptoms like nausea, headache, bowel issues, but it doesn't cure them permanently. Add to that, Marijuana smoke is carcinogenic. It contains 50-70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke alone.
    This is why FDA is still hesitant to approve marijuana as a medical drug.

    3. "Marijuana cures Panic disorder, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, etc…" This is partially true. In many cases, the opposite is true; the downward spiral of marijuana can rather exacerbate the mental health symptoms. Therefore, every casual step towards marijuana use must be taken by calculating the unintended risks that may ensue in the years afterwards.

    4. "Ganja is not addictive…" Also known as "a gateway drug," marijuana is highly addictive. This is true because of the increase potency of marijuana, high THC levels, that's psychoactive and addictive too. Also, the body can retains marijuana's chemicals for years and can act as a trigger in many case.

    5. He said "Albert Einstein also used to eat ganja, said somebody." Why is this even an argument? Just because Einstein ate "ganja" doesn't mean we are supposed to do so. In the past, some were cannibals, doesn't mean they were right. Just because some world renowned scientists take cannabis, doesn't mean they are morally right. Also, in this argument some people also use Lord Shiva as an epitome for justifying their marijuana usage. This is so much absurd. Lord Shiva smoked marijuana but he also had a snake around his neck. Why would you do the former and ignore the latter? This kind of ad infinitum absurd logic does appeal our ears, but blinds our vision. (I highly respect Sir. Albert Einstein, and Lord Shiva. I am speaking against the logic of the orator.)

    6. "50% of creative works, songs, books, are because of ganja." Hell yeah! Such a weak line of reasoning. This is not logos (logic),
    but a pathetic pathos to elicit some sissy emotions and sentiments from the audiences. This is also another way of casting doubts on the characters of the creative historical figures, many of whom may never had heard or used marijuana in their life time. So, this is the most invalid argument.

    7. "Herb is the healing of nation, said Bob Marley." Is he even a doctor or researcher or any scientific articles written by him? I respect Bob for his songs, but the topic at hand is out of his expertise.

    8. "Alcohol and cigarettes are legal and openly used, why not marijuana?" Yes, this is true but there is difference in between what is "Socially acceptable" and what is "socially respectable." Alcohol is not respectable, nor should marijuana be!
    Also, almost many of the people who develop chronic diseases because of alcohol and tobacco consumption add an astronomical economical, familial and social burden. The great amount of revenue that is generated from alcohol and tobacco comes no where to the government funds that goes to the incarceration, rehabilitation and treatment of the perpetrators and addicts.

    With this on the one hand, how can we even think of legalizing marijuana, which is sure to cause more issues. Take for instances, the in U.S., the states that have legalized recreational marijuana have now repeatedly a higher reports of accidents, admits to ER, murders and crimes ,etc. These incidents have drastically increased after the legalization of marijuana in those states after 2010. Also, in respect to violence and crimes, marijuana is 6% and alcohol is 4%. In choosing the lesser evil, alcohol seems acceptable; adding both alcohol and marijuana will just double fold the problem.

    (Rakshi, Churot chai legal cha…Marijuana chai kina chaian?) Both of them, rakshi and churot, have already created much problems. If we add marijuana in that list, it will only pave path to greater risks. "The unregulated tobacco industry is a worldwide public health disaster. We should learn from our mistakes, not repeat them with marijuana," said Kimber Richter, tobacco researcher, Uni. of Kansas.
    The pain bore by those whose family member have suffered from drugs and substance related addiction is too much. I

    9. "Lot of job opportunities, development, more revenues…" I wish these were true. Yes, regarding revenue, it's true that it has helped to generate huge amount but that's just a partial picture. If you look at the nations that have legalized marijuana, esp. in US, you will find that the funds at treatments, rehabilitation, etc… far outweigh the revenues generated by marijuana.

    Also, Neither Holland nor Portugal have any legalized drugs. Netherlands cannabis cafe has flourished over years but the internal crimes and drug issues have also gone hand in hand. In fact, after the enactment of marijuana law, a 3 fold increase in marijuana use among adults has increase. Now, Netherlands or Holland is number 1 country in Europe with marijuana treatment need. (They are now considering closing of shops and also restriction selling to non-residents)
    Regarding development and job opportunities, there are countries that were far behind Nepal but have now exceeded Nepal in terms of development and most of them never had marijuana legalized or marijuana enterprises.
    Those contending for legalization and regulations are oblivious of the havoc wrecked on the western countries. I am highly skeptical of the controlled usages and regulations that are being promised by pro-marijuana horde.

    10. Medical Marijuana is a gateway to recreational marijuana. Media in the west have hyped marijuana so much that we are not aware of the ill omens; the trend is no different here in Nepal. The "Big Companies" are after us. Nepal is poorly prepared to handle the repercussions that may follow after the legalization. Therefore, an open debate forum must be promoted.

    Caveat: Don't trust me, trust the recent data that are alarming. Here are some of the books written by the expertise in the filed of drugs and addiction:
    *Reefer Sanity: Seven Great Myths About Marijuana by Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D.
    * Tell Your Children: The Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness, and Violence by Alex Berenson (Co-author Dr. Jacqueline Berenson, M.D. Psychiatrist)
    * SMOKESCREEN: What The Marijuana Industry Doesn't Want You to Know, by Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D.
    * Marijuana: What Everyone Needs to Know, by Jonathan P. Cauklins, Beau Kilmer and Mark A. R. Kleimen.

    Since the video was posted 4 years back, I can sympathize with the orator that many of the information, back then, were not readily available. But this video is very much misleading and one must be presented with the opposing views too. I might have my own biases but I have tried to present scientific data which may not fit in to the narrative of pro-marijuana horde.

    Let's keep the discussion civil and well-informed. (Please, don't call me "Conspiracy Theorist". Do your research, Read!)

    Jay Nepal!

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