Proponents of the decriminalization of marijuana have succeeded in placing the "Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010" on the November ballot. If passed by voters, people 21 and older would be permitted to possess, grow and transport marijuana, and local governments would be allowed to regulate and tax its sale and production.
As a social worker and public health advocate who has dedicated his life's work to the prevention and treatment of the problems associated with substance use and addiction, I have seen too many suffering individuals, broken families and neglected communities shattered by drug use to remain silent on the anticipated negative consequences of this ballot measure.
The health care community has long been debating the appropriate medical use of marijuana for people suffering from severe and chronic health conditions. With passage of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, medical marijuana dispensaries are popping up in neighborhoods, and local government officials are struggling with how to provide medicinal access to marijuana while protecting cities' quality of life.
In my view, the legalization of marijuana would make matters worse.
Legalization will likely lead to more use of marijuana and other illicit drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines and heroin, especially among young people. This would bring a deepening of the societal problems associated with substance use and addiction: the unfair application
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and prosecution of drug laws, increased poverty and social inequality in communities of color, high unemployment, increased traffic crimes, homelessness and poor health.
Our state's leading law enforcement and criminal justice organizations are expected to join with many nonprofit organizations, social advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, and state and local elected officials in opposing this ballot measure.
Proponents may argue that marijuana is ostensibly a safe drug and that criminalization is harsh and unnecessary. But after many years of counseling and treating individuals and families coping with substance use and addiction, I have found that marijuana is anything but benign.
Most diagnostic, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory studies indicate that marijuana dependence exists, causes real harm, and can lead to further substance use and addiction. A number of studies have shown a clear relationship between marijuana use and severe symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and suicidal tendency.
Well-meaning proponents claim that legalization could save millions of tax dollars spent on unnecessary and unfair enforcement of laws, and that regulating the drug will generate new revenue for state and local governments. But it is hardly a panacea for budget deficits, since easier access to marijuana will only exacerbate the costly societal problems associated with it.
Some of the arguments for legalization seem reasonable. But after weighing the potential costs, benefits and consequences, I believe that giving up on solving the core causes of substance use and addiction sends a hopeless message to the millions of California individuals, families and communities struggling to overcome the devastating impacts of substance use. Please join me in opposing the November initiative.
CLARK WILLIAMS is the 2010 Social Worker of the Year for Santa Clara County. He wrote this article for this newspaper. |
