Measure 91: Look at the facts of legal marijuana with clarity, not fear (guest opinion)

By Melinda D. Ott, Argus Community Writer
As Election Day nears, we are hearing more and more about the various ballot measures voters will face Nov. 4. Probably the most widely discussed so far is Measure 91, which would legalize the recreational use of marijuana.
I plan to vote against this measure. It is not that I do not understand the arguments for legalization — I do and, in fact, agree with some of them. Yet, I am basing my vote on an emotional reaction stemming from past family experiences. Sometimes, I just have to go with my gut.

Yet, if the measure passes — and I expect it will — I won't be hurt, disappointed or angry. Instead, I will continue to live my life the way I have been living it. In the grand scheme of things, whether or not marijuana is legal has little to no impact on me.

Melinda D. Ott  

When a change in social issues comes to a vote or is legislated, emotions on both sides of the argument rise. Typically, one group is vying for a right that was previously denied to them and the other group is concerned about the ramifications of these new rights.   Concern can breed fear, and fear frequently clouds the view of reality.

In the case of marijuana, I've heard three arguments against it: Legalization would make it easier for kids to obtain it, legalization would increase the incidents of people driving under the influence, and legalization of marijuana would lead to the legalization of harder substances.  These are important issues and they should be considered, but we should look at the facts with a clear mind, not from a place of fear.

Let's say that Measure 91 passes and marijuana becomes legal. The state government will have to look at how it handles people driving under the influence of marijuana. And there may be moves to legalize more substances, but that is something that should come before voters again. The last time something like this happened was 71 years ago when Prohibition was overturned, so I can't see the floodgates opening for this one. As for the availability of marijuana for children — well, that lies in the court of personal and parental responsibility.

My husband and I raise our children to know that cigarettes are an unhealthy choice — sadly, this issue has already come up with our preschooler and kindergartner. When my children become aware of marijuana (which I hope will not be for some time), we plan to treat it as we do cigarettes. It isn't a choice we condone in our family and we don't consider it to be a healthy choice. While others may not agree with us on this, they are not raising our children and the legality of marijuana just isn't part of the argument for us.

I do believe everyone should vote their conscience. But, on issues such as these, if the election does not go the way you voted, the world will not come to an end. You simply need to continue living within your own moral code...and make the choice to not smoke weed.