I started smoking one year before you did. I really enjoyed it. To the level that I am now smoke on a daily basis. You may not enjoy it as much as I did, as it is not for everyone. However, if you do like it, you may find yourself asking the same question I once did.

Why is this illegal again?

There is no good answer to that question. I hate to say this, as this is the cry of every conspiracist, but the government really does lie to you. More than you can imagine. There is no proof that marijuana is a gateway drug, it will most certainly not kill you, and, as long as you learn to use it responsibly, it will not turn you into a mindless zombie.

Many on this forum would say that you should wait. For me, it could go either way. If you feel mentally able to handle a different mental state of mind, and are able to understand that "grown-ups" don't always tell the truth, then I believe you are ready. I think you are putting too much thought into the situation. If you are ready, try it, and then go from there. You may not even like it. If you do not feel you are ready, then wait a few years. You sound like an individual that has a mental capacity far beyond your years. I, personally, believe that too many people miss out because of the social stigmas.

There was my two cents.