Marijuana and tobacco

Dear Editor,

In the last several weeks, I have read many letters concerning the marijuana referendum.  The reason I am writing is to address some of the misconceptions regarding its usage.  

Contrary to popular belief, the average recreational user of marijuana is not a freeloader or crack head.  I have known and still do know very successful people, both blue collar and white collar, that use marijuana recreationally.  I would never reveal those names for obvious reasons but I use it as an example.  It would surprise many people to know the actual number of those from all walks of life that use.  The real fact of the matter is that, legal or not, people will continue to use marijuana.  I am of the opinion that it would be far simpler to legalize it and allow the state to reap the benefits.  

I encourage readers to take a few minutes and confirm the statistics that I am about to list but the information is staggering.  According to the Department of Public Safety in Colorado, violent crime was reported to have fallen 400 percent for the first quarter following the legalization of marijuana.  

The Colorado state Joint Budget Committee reported that marijuana legalization produced some 98 million dollars in excise taxes for the year of 2013 and the state expects to take in about 189 million in tax revenue for the first 18 months.  

In comparison, I would like to discuss the loss of life due to tobacco use, a perfectly legal product.  According to the National Cancer Institute there are over 443,000 deaths that occur each year from lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths.  I could go on and on about the side effects of tobacco use such as leukemia, COPD, emphysema, bronchitis, and heart disease but it would be a waste of my time and yours.  We all are very aware of these facts about tobacco as are the users of tobacco that continue to smoke.  While I’m on the subject, has anyone ever heard of a doctor prescribing tobacco to a patient?  Strange however, that marijuana is used to treat cancer patients, and many other medical issues such as glaucoma and multiple sclerosis.

I do not presume to deny that there are no dangers with usage.  There are always those people that make the choice to abuse these things but you will always have those that make that decision.  Whether it is medical marijuana, prescription drugs, or alcohol, the possibility of abuse will always exist.  In the case of alcohol we teach “responsible use”, and that is all we can really ask.  The responsibility lies with each person to properly manage their usage in everything, including the food that they consume. You must be your own keeper.

In closing, I hope that every voter does his or her own research on the marijuana referendum as well as all issues that concern them as citizens and as voters.  Get to the polls, vote, and make your voice heard.

Regards,

James Myrick

Gulf County