Cutting Through the Haze: What Politicians Aren't Saying About Marijuana

Election season is here, and marijuana is a hot topic. Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are pushing their views, but is it all good news? Not quite. Let's bust a few myths and look at the facts. People often talk about polls showing support for legalization, but it's not that simple. When given choices like decriminalization or medical-only, support for full legalization drops. A recent poll showed that only 38% support full recreational legalization. Worried about tax revenue? Don't be fooled. Sure, some money comes in, but the costs can be much higher. A study in Colorado found that for every dollar in tax revenue, there were $4. 50 in costs, like lost productivity and traffic accidents. And that tax money? It doesn't add up to much. California, for example, only gets 0. 19% of its revenue from pot. What about prisons being filled with marijuana offenders? Not true. As of 2022, no one was in federal prison just for possession. The focus should be on expunging records for low-level possession. Politicians talk about rescheduling marijuana, but it's still federally illegal and hasn't passed safety tests. They also often ignore the industry's push for profits, especially from big companies like Trulieve in Florida. So, voters, be smart. Don't buy into the hype. Marijuana policy should be about public health, not industry interests. Let's prioritize prevention, treatment, and recovery, not more drugs in our communities.