I have seen, first hand, the benefits of both Marijuana and CDB. There is no doubt in my mind that it should be deregulated, legalized, and used to benefit those that truly need it.
What I have no desire to see, is what happened in Oregon, when first legalized medically. Every Tom Dick and Harry suddenly had chronic pain or glaucoma so he could get high.
Pot is an intoxicant. Used properly, it has many benefits. Used improperly, it can do far more harm than good.
CBD is not an issue. I see no way that it could be abused. Therefore, it is a no brainer. Any lawmaker that says otherwise has another dog in the fight somewhere else.
Marijuana, on the other hand, before it is legalized for medical use needs to have some very strict requirements placed on it. Not so strict that it can’t be obtained, but strict enough that it can’t be abused. Walking into a doctor’s office, giving him $25 for a script, and walking out the backdoor to his dispensary is not the right way to do it. Let’s sit down and make some good, common-sense laws, (I know, government and common sense is an oxymoron) that all sides can agree on.
Let’s get it to those that it can help.
Recreational Marijuana. This is a whole new beast. Many states have legalized it, and I do not have an issue with it. What I have an issue with is states seeing the huge tax base increase and rushing into its legalization.
There is far too much at stake to rush into recreational use. I have stated since the late 70’s that states are missing the boat and need to start looking at legalization as a revenue source. But they need to be smart about it.
Marijuana is no less dangerous than alcohol and it too can kill indiscriminately like alcohol.