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.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D