Another conservative statist outs himself. Or herself.
Listen, it's impossible to argue on a rational or logical level with someone who insists upon using progressive strategy to push a political agenda. I'm not trying to insult you; I'm just being honest. If we're going to dissect this issue from the conservative standpoint---which I believe is the rational one, by the way---there's no way you can argue for the continued criminalization of marijuana and yet remain consistent with other conservative values grounded on individual freedom and liberty.
What you fail to understand is that this basis for your stance: "that your individual choices affect me, because you're not an island" has no limit. I could make a logical argument that simply by drawing a breath my actions affect others. It's nebulous. It's inaccurate. It doesn't tell the whole story. And for God's sake, it's not a principle on which to base law that governs free people.
Unless you're a statist.
I have yet to hear about some guy who came home and beat his wife after smoking Pot.
“I could make a logical argument that simply by drawing a breath my actions affect others.”
No, you can’t. Absurdum ad reductio.
The middle ground between Tyranny (which you suggest I’m advocating) and Anarchy (which is what you’re advocating) is called How We’ve Done It in the United States for 200-odd years. And that’s really what I’m advocating.