One Toke Over the Line

Time to discuss something more on the light side, and I mean light.

Washington State recently offered up regulations concerning recreational marijuana. To dumb it down a bit, regulations for possession and usage of pot would be comparable to alcohol. Taxes would be assessed as it is on liquor, too. There are ongoing discussions on how to treat Driving Under the Influence and how to measure that.

I am ambivalent about recreational use because at this time, it is hard to judge, with only two states, Washington and Colorado, to test against. But I am in favor of decriminalization and instead, to treat possession of less than one ounce in public with a fine. Possession of a like amount in the confines of your own home would be ignored.

However, it is time to legalize medicinal marijuana across all 50 states. We can look to many states for guidance to establish consistent federal rules. The federal government wastes so much time and effort chasing down state-approved dispensaries and growers, when these efforts and financial resources could be used to secure our borders, pay down the debt, or other necessary action.

There is so much evidence that proves that use of medicinal marijuana has real benefits to those who need the drug and use it responsibly. Cancer/chemo patients, severe arthritics, paraplegics, and other disabled people have reported a dramatic improvement in their quality of life after using marijuana.

State and local police forces would be relieved of wasting limited manpower chasing down sick people and those who assist in their well-being. Communities would not be expensed higher taxes to secure "prisoners" for using pot to help themselves feel better. And doctors and other health professionals would be required to complete documentation for those they identify as having a need for this important health assistance, much like they do to have disabled permits issued.

So, what is the problem? Do pharmaceutical companies have that powerful a lobby in the Congress that discussion is not even brought up, or if it is, immediately is shot down by the leadership of both parties who depend on political contributions from Pfizer, Merck, J&J, Bayer and other drug companies, who may lose out on their control of our health needs? Maybe. Many people I have talked to feel this is true.

We need to get this rolling (no pun) now. President Obama and Members of Congress need to know how we feel about this issue. It is time for us to make a change in the quality of life of so many, as our Declaration and Constitution promise and guarantee.

And maybe, finally, the real purpose and benefit of marijuana will be realized by those desperately needing its healing properties.