Drugs and Aging.

There is a strong movement underway to legalize marijuana.  As I reflect on a number of problems in our country I am rethinking my opposition.  And including many drugs currently listed as controlled or illegal.

I propose a new national policy.  When a person turns 65, all drugs may be provided by physicians and considered legal.  This will have a number of positive consequences:

1.  Peace.  A person's last years will be made pleasant.  In old age it would be nice not to be as acutely aware of  all the pains, loss of energy, and parts that are now broken or non-functional.

2.  Social Life.  Children will be much more likely to visit.  Both because the old people will be more pleasant to be around and it will increase their own access to chemical bliss.  Grandchildren will think Grandma and Grandpa are fun.

3.  Medical Systems.  Medicare will be saved.  Old people will not realize they need surgery or treatment.

4.  Financial Freedom.  Supplemental income from selling "excess" drugs would relieve society of the need to provide further Social Security increases.

5.  Crime Reduction. Fewer drug dealers will be needed - get whatever you want from an old person.  Drug addicts would not have to commit crimes to get money for drugs.  Prices will be lower - just go see an old person.  And old people will get still more visitors.

6.  Sharing Experience.  Old people have wisdom and would be able to gauge how much of what to give - who needs it and who does not and is just complaining and needs to get a job.

This doesn't solve everything, but lets get the dialogue going.