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The recent Herald editorial in support for recreational marijuana (Nov. 19:
North Dakotans are ready for the responsibility of recreational marijuana
) stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming opposition to Measure 5 by the leading health care, business and law enforcement organizations from across North Dakota.
Let me be clear. Today’s marijuana is not the pot of our youth. It is as much as 10 times more potent and nearly 3 million people a year are treated in emergency rooms for cannabis poisoning. Today’s marijuana is also highly addictive. In fact, there are over 19 million people in America today who have been treated for cannabis abuse disorder.
Regular users of marijuana can develop a host of mental illnesses including psychosis, paranoia, schizophrenia, depression and bipolar mania, and frequent use has been associated with suicide. No wonder the North Dakota Medical Association, the North Dakota Hospital Association, the North Dakota Psychiatric Association and the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors have all taken a position in opposition to Measure 5.
Unfortunately, the Forum Communications advisory editorial board has succumbed to the pop culture argument that, since some are already doing it, we might as well legalize it. That position ignores the reality of what is happening in states that have legalized recreational marijuana. While there are already those who use marijuana illegally in North Dakota, states that normalize its use through legalization have found a dramatic increase in the number of users, frequency of their use and the amount they use.
Even though the purchase of marijuana will be illegal for those under 21, states that have legalized recreational marijuana have also seen a tragic impact on adolescents and children too. Due to the normalization of marijuana in these states, teenagers are using marijuana more often and in higher doses, and accidental poisoning by cannabis gummies have increased by as much as 3000%.
States that have legalized marijuana have also seen a sharp increase in crime. Illegal drug dealers and cartels can sell it cheaper than state-sanctioned marijuana, and with thousands of new customers, the black market is thriving. That’s why the governor of New York called her state’s legalization a disaster. Of course, the problems don’t end there. States that have legalized marijuana have also seen an increase in traffic accidents and fatalities and drug related crime. That is why the North Dakota Peace Officers Association, the North Dakota Sheriffs and Deputies Association, and the Chiefs of Police Association of North Dakota all oppose Measure 5.
Don’t be fooled. Marijuana is not just a personal choice. Taxpayers and private insurance payers end up paying more to provide addiction and mental health services. We pay for additional law enforcement needed to enforce marijuana laws. We pay more for vehicle insurance to cover accidents caused by marijuana use. In the end, we all pay for the marijuana choices individuals make.
Let’s keep North Dakota a great place to live, work and raise a family. Vote No on Measure 5.
Kristie Spooner is a licensed clinical addiction counselor from Fargo. In the weeks leading up to an election, the Herald does not typically allow unpaid letters for or against a particular candidate or statewide measure, but allowed this letter as a response to its recent editorial about Measure 5.
“}]] Taxpayers and private insurance payers end up paying more to provide addiction and mental health services. Read More