I recently saw a public service announcement part of the “above the influence” anti-drug campaign. It consisted of several teenagers candidly talking about doing very brash things and appearing to show pride at doing so. For instance, one beaming high school guy proclaims he called his ex girlfriend 20 times. Another talks about getting terrible grades. At the end of this chronicle of stupid decisions, the teenagers reveal they did them because they were high on marijuana.

I didn’t notice any teenagers saying they were inspired while high on marijuana. That they painted an expressive picture, marveled at the beauty of nature on a walk, thought abstractly about complex issues, or had a deep conversation. Yep, that was conspicuously absent from the commercial.

You might think it’s absurd to believe people are capable of doing positive things while under the influence of marijuana or other drugs. Well, pardon me, but I don’t think it’s any more absurd than the belief that people only do regrettable, wasteful, or foolish things while high. The reality is that some people choose sit on the couch and eat Doritos while others choose to turn the experience into something constructive. Just as different people choose different paths while sober, marijuana users are the masters of their own destiny.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe “lowers inhibitions” is one of the commonly-described effects of marijuana. And I’m pretty sure that means free will is amplified under those circumstances, not stifled. I will reiterate, marijuana users CHOOSE what they do while under the influence.

Sometimes I wonder about the concepts and work that theoretical physicists, astronomers, mathematicians, policymakers, and anyone else who requires imaginative, abstract thinking might be able to draw from marijuana. I think about the amazing advances and technologies that might be devised if the cognitive expansion marijuana provides is seized by those willing. A cure for cancer? A path to greater peace? An answer to climate change? Who knows that is possible.

Unfortunately, we may lose out on a chance to even scratch the surface of those possibilities if we all continue to accept one-sided statements that boil down to drugs=bad. People who choose to do nothing worthwhile while high should indeed be discouraged, even scorned. But those who choose to embark on something larger shouldn’t be subjected to the same scorn. They should be encouraged. Is a gift to humankind any less useful if it was given by a marijuana user? Is a painting less beautiful, idea less powerful, or accomplishment less important?

These are important questions that I believe deserve to be given thought. It’s evident that the one-sided argument about marijuana is still running strong. But I’d say it’s high time to break on through to the other side.