Over the past decade, this nation has witnessed a growing acceptance towards the use of marijuana for medical use. Presently, 13 states allow the use of medical marijuana. Several states have legislation that is proposing its use in upcoming voter elections. As more time passes, there is a growing movement towards not just medicinal marijuana approval, but legalizing it and with current state budget deficits forcing drastic cuts in so many helpful programs, taxing marijuana is something that is being discussed more frequently. Could the time be near that we, as a nation, finally get past over 70+ years of unproven hype by our government that marijuana is such a horrible monster and “gateway” drug? “Reefer Madness” was a propaganda documentary that portrayed marijuana in such a way that it became banned nationwide almost instantly where before there had never been any issues. All this, ironically, at a time when prohibition was soon to be eradicated with alcohol becoming a new tax generator for Federal and State governments. Moreover, there are so many reports every day of drunken drivers taking out innocent victims by abusing that “legal” drug. I still, to this day, have yet to hear, “Man, (or woman) high on marijuana, kills family in auto accident,” or “Man, (or woman) high on marijuana, shoots family, then self.” Sadly, we see headlines like these almost daily. But they never involve marijuana. [Editor's note: not all studies agree with this point, though it's not disputed that alcohol seems to cause far more fatal accidents than marijuana. See article.]
As many know, 2009 marked the beginning of legalizing gay marriage in Iowa. We’re now one of just four states which allow this. I actually thought we would be one of the LAST states to legalize this, but it looks like we are just a little more progressive than I gave us credit for. Given simply this fact, along with our current major budget shortfalls, it seems to be a win-win, no-brainer to at least legalize marijuana, medicinally.
There could be tax revenue that could probably eliminate the budget shortfall in the 1st year alone. There would be 1000’s of people who would benefit immediately by being able to legally medicate themselves organically, vs. popping pills hand over fist, keeping the big pharmaceutical companies fat and happy. The time for change and marijuana reform is NOW. We need to open our eyes and quit allowing misinformed, elderly legislators to dictate what they believe they know is in our best interests based on the lies they’ve been listening to for so many decades.
I see marijuana as an organic crop that could also benefit our farmers tremendously. Provided the large Ag-companies like Monsanto, Garst and Pioneer can stay out of the way and not instantly jump in with “OMG” (organically modified genetics) strains of marijuana and then take over the industry, in whole or in part. The reform movement for legalizing marijuana can not allow such corporate interests to take over. I’m also talking about pharmaceutical corporations as well. This must be as it is naturally designed. Why ‘fix it’ if it ain’t broke?
Stay tuned for my next article where I “light”-en up a bit and go explore some awesome wintertime trout fishing in Northeast Iowa!
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