johndylan1
DP Veteran
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2013
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Re: National Legalization of Marijuana
Absolutely correct, I spent some time at a rehab for teens and young adults, visiting a family member, over the past year or so. Whoever thinks marijuana is harmless should spend some time working with kids who have been affected by addiction. Horrible outcomes.
Because there is NOT libertarian government rule in Colorado. The legalization of marijuana (a decidedly LibertariaN goal for decades) will not be accompanied by a libertarian approach to social services. Use has already been shown to have skyrocketed, with use increasing in kids as young as age 12. Use of other illegal drugs have also increased during that same time period. National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2013
There is a dirty little secret. SOME people can use marijuana just like they use alcohol. Function perfectly well during the week, hang out, smoke a few joints and get mellow once or twice during the week and maybe get lit on the weekend...life is good. Others...others are addicts. Psychological addiction comes with a cost. Homelessness, joblessness, increase in crime, increase in health care costs, to say nothing of the increase in those populations from homeless people in other states moving to a state with friendlier drug rules. Its far too early to tell what kind of long term impact it will actually have on schooling, graduation rates, college attendance, job prep, etc.
Will there be identified gains? Sure. Incarceration costs may immediately decrease. And as far as 'addictions' go, its an easily treated disorder. Essentially...there is no treatment for marijuana addiction. But...all addicts tend to suffer greater health problems. Someone is going to have to foot the bill. To that end, Colorado would be wise to bank that money.
Absolutely correct, I spent some time at a rehab for teens and young adults, visiting a family member, over the past year or so. Whoever thinks marijuana is harmless should spend some time working with kids who have been affected by addiction. Horrible outcomes.