When it comes to Question 4 on the Nov. 8 statewide ballot, it’s really all about smoke and mirrors.
Voters will decide upon legalizing recreational marijuana use for those 21 years and older, a move opposed by virtually every local official in this area who has stated a position. And it’s hard to blame them, because being in favor of legalizing pot is just not a popular stance in these purplish parts of our dark blue state. It has not been much of a career-booster, politically or otherwise.
But it might be time for some of these fine folks to see through the smoke and haze, and take a good look in the mirror. Not to look at themselves as much as to see what has happened behind them. It might remind them of our earlier societal mistakes, as well as help them understand they solve no problems by keeping marijuana illegal.
I have lived in this area all my life. As a teenager in the early 1970s, alcohol was generally the recreational drug of choice. No surprise there, as despite the best efforts of many to warn us of the dangers – we love our beer, wine and booze.
And so did our parents, and their parents, and you can keep going back. While not everyone partakes, it is and always has been a significant percentage of the population. And except for that brief and ignominious period known as “Prohibition” in the 1920s and ’30s, we have learned to live with it.
Clearly, alcohol causes problems with many people and in many families. Abuse of it, as with almost anything, can be inherently dangerous. But we as a nation discovered almost 100 years ago that trying to legislate this morality into our society was a foolish and fruitless move, ending up with needless criminality and just as much drinking.
Though not a perfect analogy by any means, the comparison of alcohol and pot is still striking.
I was never even a cigarette smoker, so marijuana held no great allure to me. I tried it (it was almost a requirement), but only once. Unlike former President Clinton, I did in fact inhale. But I didn’t like it. So I never did it again.
But it was everywhere then, and it is everywhere now. Pot is a part of American culture in the same way beer is, though perhaps not quite as prevalent. And it is time to stop the hypocritical pretending that it is not.
If Massachusetts voters turn down Question 4, it will not reduce the use of marijuana in the state. If they pass the question, use will no doubt increase. It is understandable that the latter would concern local law enforcement and elected officials.
But, with the passage of the ballot initiative would begin the process of regulating what is currently an unregulated multi-billion-dollar industry. And if our real concern is safety of our citizens, that is a step in the right direction.
And there are the undeniable financial implications. Despite those who scoff at the revenues generated in Colorado and elsewhere, they are real. And in these days of stressed municipal and state budgets, that is more important than ever.
Why should the profits from pot go to the black market and organized crime figures, when they could be helping taxpayers instead?
I don’t pretend to be able to cite medical evidence on either the evils or benefits of marijuana. But, I am aware that a large percentage of the people I know smoke pot at least occasionally. And to the best of my knowledge, the percentage of them with substance abuse problems or other similar issues is pretty much the same as it is among those who do not partake.
We license bars and liquor stores with increasing regularity. They result in big economic advantages and we have tough laws to regulate them.
Let’s stop making people criminals for smoking or using marijuana. It’s not smart, and it’s not working. Let’s recognize reality. Let’s stop pretending that if we don’t see it, it isn’t happening.
Voters should approve Question 4. It is time to refocus our attention and our resources on problems that are much more serious and real.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Vote To Legalize Marijuana Makes Financial And Common Sense
Author: Bill Gouveia
Contact: 508-222-7000
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: The Sun Chronicle
