Pubdate: Thu, 03 Nov 2016
Source: Bangor Daily News (ME)
Copyright: 2016 Bangor Daily News Inc.
Contact: http://bangordailynews.com/opinion/submit/
Website: http://www.bangordailynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/40
Author: Cindi and Lionel Menard

MARIJUANA MADNESS

Our biggest problem with Question 1, which would legalize recreational
marijuana, is how more drug exposure may affect our children. At
Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo, Colorado, there has been 51 percent
increase in children under age 18 needing emergency room treatment for
marijuana-related conditions over the last two years. A lot of these
kids are getting their marijuana by ingesting marijuana edibles -
candy, cookies, lollipops. Do you want pot shops and pot bars opening
up next to your schools, churches, houses, parks and
playgrounds?

Meanwhile, many of us have seen the TV ads, supported by more than a
millions dollars from Washington-based New Approach PAC looking to
make more money by not telling the whole truth. Proponents say this
will free up police to pursue more serious crimes. In 2014, 1,700
people were charged with marijuana possession, but how many were
charged because they were doing something else criminally wrong?

Proponents also say it will generate more money for the state. Much of
the profits could go outside the state to "Big Marijuana" companies.
Meanwhile the taxpayers will have to pay more for more local
enforcement, and with only a 10 percent tax, there may not be enough
money even for the state to regulate and enforce.

This is not working well elsewhere - just look at Pueblo. Residents
there are voting on Nov 8 on whether to repeal the city's ordinance
that permits retail marijuana operations to stop the madness in their
city. Please, do the same and vote no on Question 1 before the same
marijuana madness starts happening here.

Cindi and Lionel Menard

Kennebunk
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MAP posted-by: Matt