My interpretation of your conversation with Harthan is that Harthan said that the Government doesn't really have any moral ground to stand on when it comes to prosecuting marijuana crimes (which isn't entirely true as there are tons of people who see it as a dangerous drug, and not for terrible reason either), and you responded that since it's not necessary to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness they have more than enough reason to keep marijuana illegal.
You misinterpreted the argument.
Harthan's argument was that Government shouldn't have the right to decide whether or not one engages in the consumption of marijuana. Harthan's argument wasn't about the legality of it, but whether Government should even have the right to decide on the legality.
Let's put it in terms of a WrestleZone example. It would be like you and a regular member debating on whether the forums should allow custom avatar uploads. The regular member would say it should be allowed, but you would tell the regular member it doesn't matter what WE want, it's up to the people at Crave to decide. In essence, we can debate it, but we lack the power to do anything about it anyways.
That's Harthan's argument. While the government can hold marijuana use is bad, dangerous etc., Harthan was arguing they shouldn't have the right to pass laws on it, that they should lack the power to do so.
The problem with this statement is marijuana is not a natural right. Our country separated from England under the idea that all people have certain unalienable rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", which is to say no government can deny its citizens those rights. However, marijuana is not necessary to achieve life, liberty or the pursuit of happiness, and thus, it is not a natural right.
What you are arguing is that smoking weed should be a legal right. Harthan was arguing it was a natural right. While I disagree with your position, it is one which can be debated. Harthan's was simply wrong.
In conclusion, you misunderstood the argument Harthan made, and I responded to. You're trying to make smoking marijuana a legal right, and Harthan tried to say marijuana was a natural right.
but I don't think your life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness argument holds much water here.
Only because you didn't understand it.
