Saturday, April 27, 2024 | 2 a.m.
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The April 21 story “Concerns arise over illegal statewide sales of synthetic hemp products,” outlining issues with dangerous products being sold and fake dispensaries opening up, should come as no surprise.
The sale of retail marijuana in other states that have legalized it has already been attributed to mental health deterioration, decreased road safety, higher auto insurance premiums, increased calls to Poison Control due to children overdosing, impaired brain development among juveniles, and alarmingly higher use of cannabis by young people — that segment of the population that is already vulnerable to mental health problems and diminished learning.
Is the purported tax revenue worth it? Not in California, where cannabis sales were reported to comprise about 10% of the legal market. Not in those states where increased crime, homelessness, pot-related traffic fatalities and illicit sale of dangerous contaminated products have caused a surge in public resources to address the problems.
In a community that was already dealing with the negative, out-of-control impact of alcohol consumption, it defies logic why we would have encouraged more problems in the form of legalized pot and cannabis lounges.
What people do in their own home is their business; but when it negatively affects public safety, children, motorists and their wallets, it should become our business. Seriously, is anyone looking out for us?
