Pot - the plant

Why is this topic such a sensative one? Really now, most of the population knows up close and personal about the effects of pot. The amount of money, time, and resources we put into 'fighting the drug wars' is really a huge waste. Let's consider the amount of money we could save by just stopping the war effort against pot. That would be a huge chunk of change. Let's now consider the amount of money we could gain by legalizing the drug. It would be a huge boost to the economy! We would create jobs, gain tax revenue, and help small businesses. What a no brainer for me and many other children of the 60's. Don't be so selfish about it. There are legitimate uses for this drug. Imagine at the least the use just for medical purposes, what would that do for those who are in pain and are wasting away because they don't eat enough. It is really simple don't you think, when you really think, hard and serious? Come on...give me any good reason why cigarettes are legal and pot isn't?