Thank you Alexander,
I do not pretend to know what the solution is to the challenges that marijuana poses to our society. It has been “legalized” in our state for a couple years now, but even before that “medical” usage was permitted and most of our “customers” made no attempt to conceal their usage from us or the police. I think that the widespread perception that marijuana is completely harmless is the biggest problem.
Even caffeine and aspirin have negative consequences if used inappropriately. There are actually many people who perceive marijuana as having less negative consequences than aspirin and caffeine. I think that this perception is actually a bigger problem than whether or not it is legal. Unfortunately, at least where I live legalizing marijuana has tended to legitimize the perception that it is a harmless substance.
I completely understand your arguments for legalization. “Strict regulations and mandatory drug testing” were discussed during the legalization fight that took place here. Nothing like that has actually taken place to my knowledge. My perception is that usage is up. It seems like you cannot go to a public park, a theater, a restaurant, or even the mall without the smell of marijuana being present at some point during your day. I worry that this sends a bad message to my grandchildren.
People are just more open about using and growing. I don’t think there’s been much of an increase.