Midnight, I'm sorry for you and your daughters loss.
MJ is a stop along the way if you're already on the path moving into addiction. IMO there are other starting points, cigarettes and alcohol being the first two most kids start with, on that path. MJ is less destructive and addictive than cigarettes and alcohol, IMO it's not addictive at all, although there are a couple withdrawal symptoms when quitting - mild irritation and a strong (short lasting, and not insurmountable) desire for more. A young person looking to shut out lifes problems through outside influences will try all kinds of things: eating disorders, their parents prescription drugs and alcohol, sex, cutting (which sadly is out of control with young girls right now) etc. they have many choices. I guess I just wonder why there aren't mandates to put locks on all medicine cabinets, or why there isn't a move to outlaw alcohol, or required therapy for troubled kids, when clearly these things are much more destructive to our teens than MJ.
I want to add that even though I'm a supporter of legalization, in no way do I mandate smoking in front of, or in smell of, a child, teen or anyone else. I also get really irritated when my DH drinks too much in front of our son, and acts like an azz. IMO that is more destructive to a kid than knowing their parent smokes pot.
I wanted to also say thank you again to the people expressing opinions, and letting us into the reasoning for their thoughts.
I do not take addiction lightly, I have my own (non-drug or alcohol related) addictive struggles as well.
