Pubdate: Fri, 04 Nov 2016
Source: Coolidge Examiner (AZ)
Copyright: 2016 Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc.
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/rlfyWN01
Website: http://trivalleycentral.com/coolidge_examiner/front/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4242
Source: Coolidge Examiner (AZ)

PINAL COUNTY INTERFAITH; CLERGY SEE PROBLEMS WITH PROP. 205

An open letter to the community:

We, a coalition of clergy and community leaders with Pinal County
Interfaith, are writing to oppose Proposition 205, which would
legalize the recreational use of marijuana. The proposition is crafted
to further the interests of the marijuana industry and clearly not the
interest of Arizona families.

We have seen that addiction is devastating. Individuals and families
suffer as a result of addiction. Easing access to marijuana will
exacerbate that suffering.

It is disingenuous to tell voters that Proposition 205 is good for
schools. For decades, we have educated children without any funding
from marijuana; our schools will undoubtedly survive without it! Our
teens are especially at risk if marijuana use is normalized and access
increases. The risks to children and youth far outweigh the relatively
small amount that schools will receive from the Marijuana Fund (around
$50 per student, less than the cost of a textbook).

Proposition 205 is an experiment that cannot be reversed. Once voter
initiatives become law they are very difficult to modify, requiring a
three-fourths vote of the Legislature or a return to the voters.
Proposition 205 creates an entire body of laws governing all aspects
of marijuana use, sale and cultivation. Even common-sense adjustments
to the law will be nearly impossible.

A few of our concerns about the specifics of Proposition 205
include:

Edible marijuana, such as candy and cookies, is designed to be
appealing to children. Accidental ingestion is dangerous for children,
and these incidents have increased in states with legal marijuana.

Driving while impaired by marijuana is dangerous. However, under
Proposition 205, law enforcement officials are prohibited from using
blood, saliva or urine tests as proof of impairment. Even as testing
technology and appropriate THC standards are developed, testing will
remain off limits to police.

This proposition is bad for employers, with drug-free workplace
policies in question, especially for public employers such as schools,
police departments and fire departments.

Local communities will not be able to opt out of having marijuana
establishments.

Teen users are more susceptible to marijuana addiction and negative
health effects than older users, yet this proposition treats teen use
and sharing among teens as a petty offense, more lenient than for
underage alcohol use.

Father Ariel Lustan, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic
Church

Pastor Juan Humes, Kingdom Living Ministries

Dr. Philip Calvert, Trinity Southern Baptist Church

Dr. Grant Walton, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints

Bill Heinle, Director of Caring Ministries, First Presbyterian Church
Casa Grande

Pastor David Landry, Calvary Chapel of Casa Grande

Pastor Mary Lou Adame, United Methodist Church of Casa
Grande

Pastor Yolanda Cruse, Grace Assembly of God Church

Father Alan Valencia, Parochial Vicar, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic
Church

Sister Carol Seidl, Principal, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic
School

Dr. Steven R. DiMuzio, Deacon at St. Anthony of Padua and Retired
CGUHSD Superintendent

Deacon Robert Penzenstadler, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic
Church

Pastor Robert Castro, Calvary Chapel of Casa Grande

Stephen Thomas, Pastor, Abundant Grace Church
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MAP posted-by: Matt