You have a point, Blist...but I think it goes a little further than that.
http://www.cannabisireland.com/why.html
Although the website is pertinent to Ireland, I think that the general point is universal.

The protesters go about things in the wrong way.
As with any consessionary discussion, if you want to win, then you have to make the other party believe that they will gain more from the deal than you.
So, instead of crying to the politicians about how it's an infringement upon personal choice, and that their draconian attitude is in direct contravention to the ideology of a democratic society, try to approach them with a plan that sees them benefit.


The trick comes in devising a way that us tokers don't lose out!
lol