Pubdate: Sun, 19 Oct 2014
Source: Pensacola News Journal (FL)
Copyright: 2014 The Pensacola News Journal
Contact: http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=OPINION0301
Website: http://www.pnj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1675
Author: Bob Williamson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

SO YOU THINK YOU WANT TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA?

When I was younger, I probably would have supported legalizing
marijuana as well, but due to some personal trials and tribulations
that I went through, Amendment 2 is something that I absolutely cannot
support. And, hopefully by telling my story, I can show you, and
everyone else in Florida, why this amendment is bad news, plain and
simple.

Rewind to my formative years; I was far-above-average in school and a
gifted athlete. But, as a child, I had endured some abuse, and
subsequently, became disillusioned and ended up taking some wrong
turns and making some bad decisions. I had started hanging around with
the wrong crowd, began drinking alcohol, and graduated to marijuana
and pills.

Then, one day, as I smoked a joint with some "friends" of mine at the
time, one of them asked me if I wanted to try meth. I had no idea what
meth really was, but I was "stoned" and my inhibitions were lowered so
I decided "sure, why not?"

Fast-forward several years and I was homeless, living alone on the
streets, intravenously addicted to meth and heroin. I had even spent
time in prison and jail, and had become suicidal.

So now, as I see the slick ads promoting legalization of pot under the
farce of medical use, I wonder if anyone realizes how bad an idea this
is for our state.

Here are some important facts that the supporters behind this
amendment like to sweep under the rug that you need to seriously
consider before you go to cast your vote on Amendment 2:

* There is no age limit or parental permission required to use and
obtain pot.

* HIPPA laws prevent parents, police and others from seeing if minors
are using pot.

* Prescriptions cannot be written due to federal laws against its
distribution, and they get around it by making "recommendations" to
use pot to treat everything from back pain to headaches for any person
at any age with any ailment.

* There are no requirements for "caregivers," except that they need to
be at least 21 years old; thus, convicted felons could become
"caregivers" under Amendment 2.

* Pot is a carcinogen and, like smoking cigarettes, it causes
cancer.

* Since pot under Amendment 2 is designated as being "medical," there
are few restrictions on where pot shops can be located - possibly in
your neighborhood shopping center.

* "Medables," marijuana-laced snacks, are packaged to look appealing
to children and are available as doughnuts, candies, cookies, soda and
even cereal. Since these products imitate "normal" food items, little
kids could get their hands on these and potentially ingest them.

So now, with all that I have said in mind, do you still think
legalizing marijuana is a good idea for the state of Florida, where my
story will become a reality for Floridians and their families across
the state?

Bob Williamson is the owner of Honey Lake Plantation Resort and Spa,
which is located east of Tallahassee. He is now drug- and alcohol-free
and leads the ministry, The Jesus Alliance. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard