Pubdate: Thu, 06 Feb 2014 Source: Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ) Copyright: 2014 The Arizona Republic Contact: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/sendaletter.html Website: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24 YOU KNOW MARIJUANA HAS ARRIVED The crusade to legalize marijuana has been in full tilt for decades, reaching its zenith when Colorado and Washington legalized recreational pot in 2012. Well before medical marijuana stuck its camel's nose under the tent, cops and courts were easing up on casual use, probably preparing for the day when pot is legal across the land. Now comes the story that tells you marijuana has arrived. The Carillo Ranch homeowners association in Chandler is warning residents it will not tolerate smoking cannabis in backyards, even if that cannabis is medicinal and legal. Pot smokers of the world, rejoice! Nothing is completely normal until it arouses the righteous umbrage of busybodies in the neighborhood, i.e. the homeowners association. They've railed against everything else that is normal: the first dandelions of spring, the tarnished door handle, the recycle can left on the curb one day longer than is fashionable. Now comes marijuana, aching for acceptance. Longing to be legal in American households and enjoyed in backyards everywhere. Well, marijuana, you've come a long way, baby. The sniveling inquisitors have found you. They want you drawn and quartered like every other bit of Americana - that homemade basketball hoop, that car parked on the curb, that unauthorized shade of beige. We aren't big fans of recreational dope. But maybe it has its silver lining. HOAs can't crack down on our unedged lawn if they're busy going after someone else's grass. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D