So why not legalize it and remove the association with drugs that are seriously harmful, like cocaine and heroin?
As far as pot making you lazy, I used to smoke it and work all day in an orchard. It actually made the work easier and the day pass quickly. This I could never have done while downing a six-pack of beer. That would sap my energy.
Legalizing it would certainly drastically reduce the shady relationships of the drug culture. I can see the argument from a personal liberty point of view. And hemp is a pretty incredible substance with many, many uses. But I also know the psychological toll it takes on the habitual user. Now, working in an orchard is one thing, but would you want your accountant, or lawyer, or surgeon, or cab driver or pilot using it on the job? It's the mental laziness I speak of.