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One thing different about these examples is that it is common knowledge in our country that caffeine will increase heart rate and boost blood pressure. "Coffee nerves" is a well worn cliche. Nobody is suprised to find themselves revved up by a cup of strong coffee or tea.

Whereas the similar cardiovascular effect of pot will come as a total surprise to a lot of newbies. If pot were unbanned this would change in time, but an ethical case for unbanning it is easier to make when those who want it unbanned tell the unvarnished truth. And the unvarnished truth telling should start in places like High Times. I'd say the same thing for coffee and magazines like Fresh Cup if caffeinated drinks were currently verboten and the truth about their effects obscured by heaps of Barbra Streisand from both sides of the issue.

I kind of agree with you about the hemp activists. I favor legalization, but not because marijuana can be made into paper, rope, oil, fabric, medicine, etc.

I favor legalization because it isn't the government's business what I ingest so long as I don't hurt anyone or scare the horses.

And quite honestly, I favor legalization because smoking marijuana in the evening after a stressful day at the office is something I enjoy. I remember my dad doing the same thing, except he preffered 2 to 3 gin martinis. I can't handle liquor like my dad could. If I had 3 martinis I would end up having 10 martinis and fighting with my wife. I have 2 or 3 one-hitters on my deck and I hurt nobody.