By John Ringer, Darby
1. The legalization of recreational marijuana in states such as California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado brought a flood of marijuana users into those states from states where marijuana was regulated or prohibited. These users flooded the homeless shelters and overloaded the social services offered by those states. Homeless rates increased dramatically in those states that legalized marijuana. Montanans tend to be vocal about not wanting out-of-staters moving into the Last Best Place. If marijuana is legalized expect large numbers of out-of-staters pursuing marijuana to move into Montana.
2. Those states that have legalized recreational marijuana have shown dramatic increases in the number of highway accidents and traffic fatalities. Montana averages around 150 highway deaths each year. If marijuana is legalized expect these death rates to climb. Montana is already known for problems with drunken driver caused fatalities. Do Montanans want to risk more of their sons, daughters, husbands, wives and friends to marijuana caused accidents?
3. In my 36 years of law enforcement experience I have dealt with thousands of drug addicts (heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine). In interviewing these addicts and asking how they started almost without exception they will say that they started by using marijuana at a young age. The marijuana use led to harder drugs and addiction. Marijuana is a “Gateway drug” and legalization will lead to an increase in the presence of and addiction to heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine. As addiction rates climb expect the rates of violent crimes, robbery and burglary to also increase. Addiction rates lead to a slew of new victims. Which of your friends or relatives do you want to see as a victim?
4. Liberalization of marijuana laws has led to large increases in the number of young users. As marijuana becomes more readily accessible the number of adolescents regularly using the drug climbs dramatically. Speaking from personal experience, I have a nephew in Oregon who began smoking marijuana at a young age. Now, at age 22 he can’t pass a simple written driver’s test because he can’t remember what he read from one day to the next; he can’t hold a regular job and he engages in all sorts of risky behaviors because he is so stoned out of his mind. Which of your friends or relatives do you want to wish that on?
5. In spite of the claims that legalization of marijuana will bring millions of dollars into the state’s coffers there is a different truth to the matter. A recent study done in Colorado shows that the cost of marijuana to taxpayers exceeds $4.50 for every $1.00 gained in tax revenue in addition to expenses such as marijuana-related DUIs that cost $25 million in 2016. Costs related to the healthcare system and from high school drop-outs are the largest cost contributors.
Don’t be fooled by the propaganda being spread that these measures are good for Montana. Legalization of this drug in this state will bring increased addiction rates, increased criminal activity, more wasted young lives and a slew of other problems. Once you open this Pandora’s Box you will never be able to close it.