What is the best way to advocate for marijuana legalization? Stop smoking it...

I am acutely aware that by the very title of this post, I have already lost about half the intended audience. But bare with me, and hopefully you will see my point.

Let me start off by saying that I am absolutely, with every thread of my being, an advocate for the legalization of marijuana. Legalization of all forms: medical, and recreational.

But on the other hand, I also no longer partake. Why? Quite simply because I value my freedom more. Unfortunately the laws in many states are still incredibly harsh and detrimental to our freedoms. In the state of Pennsylvania where I live, possession of even a small amount of marijuana can result in fines, jail or community service, and revocation of your license for up to a year. Not to mention potential disqualification from student loans, potential future employment, and a nice big mark on your criminal record.

Imagine being a 9-5 office worker in a professional position, and not being able to drive to work. Try explaining that to your CEO. Imagine being someone who wishes to work in a job that may require a security clearance, drug test, or background check. You are pretty much out of luck.

However, it goes deeper than this. And this is where we will get to the meat of my position.

Imagine a world where you are a vocal, almost radical, advocate of marijuana legalization. You go to rallies. You write letters, make meetings with elected officials, and just overall get all up in the face of the establishment.

Now imagine getting pulled over by the police, on orders from the powers that be who wish to shut you up, and having your car searched and they find nothing. Zero. Not a shred of evidence. Imagine them coming to your house with a search warrant, for some made of excuse of "an anonymous tip", and them leaving with not a single plant, pipe, or rolling paper.

Can you think of how utterly frustrating this would be to the establishment? An establishment who also have a long documented history of trying to shut up trouble makers.

You would be the "Teflon Don" of marijuana advocates. Now multiply this group by dozens, hundreds, or thousands. Bunches of people, pushing for legalization, and not able to be pinned with anything.

No longer could you be written off in the press or smeared as a petty criminal. You aren't a criminal. You are now a concerned, law abiding citizen, who wants to see unjust laws overturned.

And you will be their worst nightmare.