Smoke 'em if ya got 'em...

I enlisted in the U.S. Army back in 1974, when I was 24 years old. I smoked non-filtered Camels, and had been for almost 10 years. We recruits were kept pretty busy during basic training, and the smokers among us relished the few times a day our drill sergeants announced "smoke 'em if ya got 'em." And now, if some of the more PC folks in the FDA and the Pentagon have their way, that phrase will disappear from Army lexicon.

One of the more iconic pictures of our country's history is that of a dirty and dead-tired soldier, a smoke dangling from his lips. For many soldiers, especially those engaged in wars waged by their elders, smoking a cigarette was one of the few simple pleasures of the day. It was often a communal ritual, and went a ways to reduce stress - something we were reminded of today by someone speaking up for our soldiers. Yes, there's something wrong with that picture. But it's not what you think.

When the consumption of what is arguably the most addictive and deadly drug available is said to be important for its stress-reduction benefits, why is it that consuming cannabis is such a big deal? The science behind the medicinal benefits of cannabis is nearly empirical, with stress relief high on the list. Now, I'm not suggesting our combat soldiers be given a cannabis ration, but I am advocating they be allowed their tobacco.

Stay healthy and high when it helps