Nothing but smoke and mirrors

In times of financial trouble for Rhode Island, it is not out of character to study the old mantra When Nothing Goes Right, Go Left. While some may be seen shouting from the rooftops urging the state government to wave their magic wand and fix the deficit and create new jobs, some of us are more realistically looking to consider alternatives to save our ship before it sinks. The General Assembly should show no hesitancy in removing the states prohibition on adults usage of marijuana for recreational use simply because the financial potentials are extremely favorable. Immediately the brows furrow on foreheads of those who have grown up living a Just Say No lifestyle and questions rush into the mind dealing with safety and regulation. Although we may no longer be in the midst of the War on Drugs and being advertised such cinema gems like Reefer Madness, it is time for those both young and old to consider that legalizing marijuana may be an essential cog in the machine that works towards fixing the states financial shortcomings.

A recent bill calling for marijuana legalization entered into the House by Rep. Scott Slater is a refreshing turn toward The Alternative for the states wallet. This isn t a bill that promotes tax cuts or layoffs, but quite the large step toward generates some genuine revenue directly for the state. The bill is straightforward by calling the current Rhode Island policy ineffective and costly; and we would be foolish to believe this isn t right. This state has a thriving marijuana industry that reports some of the highest rates of usage in the country, despite a hardball stance that makes accessing medicinal resources a game of cat and mouse. The critic reading this may even looking to national opposition for support but, unfortunately, these days legalization and decriminalization is becoming more and more popular with other states. Rather than paying local policemen to spend their days arresting and processing Rhode Islanders for possession (while we completely ignore the racial undertones and disproportionate amount of minorities being convicted, fined and jailed), it is time for lawmakers to open their eyes and see through the smoke and mirror tricks used by the anti-drug army and begin to think about the sake of our states economy.

We have not even addressed the white elephants in the room, namely alcohol and tobacco, and how cannabis is far less addictive and comparably safer on healthy metrics. We have yet to see cannabis linked with a devastating disease such as cancer or cirrhosis of the liver. Even a child could distinguish the rationale for offering medical marijuana rather than medical alcohol or medical cigarettes to those with debilitating medical conditions.

Legalization promises nothing but financial benefits to the state because of the opportunity to tax and regulate all sales of the product. The bill requires all people or entities wishing to sell marijuana or to create a marijuana cultivation facility to register with a number of appropriate forms and a large monetary fee. This bill promises an end to the uncertainty of safety with harsh regulation on supplies, and begins to line the pockets of the state by implementing high taxes. Gone will be the tragic days of death resulting from a drug deal gone wrong. People should look forward to walking into a store to be greeted by a polite service associate rather than making shady back-alley exchanges. Don t be mistaken thinking legalization will lead to a free for all (studies have shown that legalization does not increase usage), the bill gives a strict 21 and older limit for purchase and keeps it out of the hands of minors.

The time has come for Rhode Island to move passed its failed anti-drug policy and move towards, as the bill reads, Replacing marijuana prohibition with regulation and taxation.