Articles
Cause and Effect
Have you ever asked, or been asked the question, “Why did you do that?” It is essentially a neutral question: it has neither an inherent positive nor negative connotation. Nevertheless, an answer entails an inherent thought process of justification: Action and Reaction.
The answer to such a question will start with the word “because.” Because is a descriptive term, i.e., “And the man said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” (Gen. 2:23). “Because” is also used in reference to consequence of action: “And Jehovah God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, cursed art thou above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life” (Gen. 3:14), with an equally applicable reaction: “and I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed: he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Gen. 3:15).
The “Cause and Effect/Action and Reaction principle is found in every walk of life: even in the realm of gardening. A large portion of the country has a limited growing season for its produce: individuals rush to the plant facility of their choosing to acquire their vegetables of choice. However, in the present local and national climate, the seeker finds that their choice of plants is in limited supply. The conversation with the local supplier goes something like this: “We are looking for tomato, squash, and cucumber plants” (says the purchaser). “Well”, says the supplier, “I have been unable to secure a sufficient supply of that which you seek.” “Why is that?”, says the purchaser? “Because”, says the supplier, “farmers have found it to be more financially beneficial to grow marijuana. As a result, there are fewer vegetable plants available.” Cause and effect coupled with its inherent action and reaction.
What is the “Cause” that would bring such an “Effect” upon a crucial element of life, i.e., having food enough to sustain the body, not only immediately, but also during the winter months when there are no supplies? So, to the farmer, “Why did you do that?”
The drug trade, and subsequent drug use of the 60’s through the 80’s, has been well documented.
To the drug dealer, “Why do you sell drugs?” Answer: “We grew up poor and drugs provide, not only a quick income, but also an abundant means of acquiring money.” The return on investment is alluring. In today’s market, “You can start growing weed indoors for under $2,000 if you choose the most basic setups. The main advantage is that you can harvest multiple times per year and that most of the equipment you buy can be reused. Smaller setups may yield 200 grams, which works out to about $10 per gram.”
To the user, “Why do you use drugs?” Answer: “Drugs provide a way of escaping the woefulness of a harsh existence, domestic abuse, or remove the memory of abuse. Or simply provides a means of joyful recreation.” For the intellectually inclined, I have had more than one young man justify the use of marijuana, saying, “It helps me focus.”
The “Action” creates a subsequent “Reaction:” “Oklahoma has more active dispensaries per 100,000 residents than it has franchises of Sonic, McDonald's, Braum's, Starbucks and Walmart combined”, LOFT analyst Andrew Welch said. “But as more cannabis businesses have cropped up, the state has struggled to ensure all are following state laws” Oklahoman. And those represent the legal medical dispensaries. In the US, illicit marijuana sales totaled an estimated $100 billion, and everyone from investors to politicians are sitting up and taking notice, all wanting their pound of weed (not flesh) (HomeGrown Cannabis). Ross Triplett, Sr.
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