A measure to legalize marijuana in California has enough signatures to qualify for the November 2010 ballot. The proposal would legalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana for adults 21 and older. Residents could grow "pot gardens" in their backyards if they want to as long as it isn't larger than 25feet. The city hopes the new plants will produce 70,000 pounds per year and become a major source of tax revenue and jobs. California, the U.S. state that first allowed states of medical pot, in 1996, may take away all restrictions on adult use of the drug in the November vote, giving local governments the option to regulate sales and growing of marijuana.
In my opinion, kids who use prescription drugs justify use because a physician has prescribed them. I feel that legalizing pot could have the same results. The passage of a legalization law would not only send a message to our youths that it is okay to smoke pot, it also could ultimately lead to more people in the state possessing both legal and illegal marijuana. Mark Kleiman, director of the Drug Policy Analysis Program at UCLA research shows that when marijuana began being sold legally in smoke shops in Amsterdam, teen use surged, even though it was illegal for minors to possess or smoke the drug. I support the use of medical marijuana solely for patients that are in dire need of pain relief, when other measures have not been successful. I don't think a positive message is being sent to the worlds children that pot is safe and an okay drug to use. In my experience, marijuana is a gateway to other drugs especially when you are young. What's next, legalizing cocaine because it could be a major source of tax revenue and provide jobs? I sure hope not!
1 comment:
I agree in where you say that kids who use prescription drugs are justified because a physician has directed them to, and how if marijuana were to be legalized how the youth would interpret the message that ultimately it is okay to posses marijuana.
We look at the facts how the negative effects of using marijuana is less dangerous than other drugs.
However, the revenue of this business would be booming for the already dying California economy.
Yes, we always face the risk of our youth, or the people, to interpret messages to their benefit, but that is our society.
Eventually, the fad of marijuana will pass. The positive economical contribution this will have on the state will lead for outsiders who sell illegal marijuana will lose their strength. Adults will successfully obtain the "right" one, legal and safe, that they no longer need to hide themselves or the habit.
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