Booker's ill-advised plan to legalize pot nationally

By James Lambert

Within the last week, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (New Jersey) introduced federal legislation that calls for the national legalization of recreational and "medical" marijuana use in the United States. The Democrat Senator apparently didn't consult law enforcement agencies or research the negative effects occurring in the various states that have legalized it over the last 10 years.

This left-wing U.S. senator views drug laws (like the current federal law outlawing recreational marijuana use) as legislation that "unfairly impact[s] low-income communities and communities of color and waste[s] billions in taxpayer dollars each year" (Booker press release 8/2). Apparently, this liberal senator doesn't fully understand what drug proliferation has done to many inner city communities across America. Booker also complains that "blacks are nearly four times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession as whites" (Booker 8/2 press release). Perhaps, this senator should look closely why this may occur. Approximately 72% of black families are fatherless (NBC news). If the father is absent, it is less likely for teens to be steered away from substance abuse (whether pot, alcohol, or various types of drug abuse). In Booker's own state of New Jersey, drug proliferation is further perpetuated by gangs.

Booker also seems to be ignorant that the vast majority of law enforcement objects to initiatives such as the one he is proposing. Meanwhile Booker has been an outspoken critic of Attorney General Jeff Sessions' effort (8/2 press release) to initiate a renewed fight against drug dealers across the country.

Despite the propaganda to the contrary, "marijuana is a gateway drug. In drug law enforcement, rarely does one meet heroin and cocaine addicts who did not start their drug abuse with marijuana" (Marijuana: the myths are killing us: Oct. 25, 2009). Today's pot is four times more mind-altering than in the 1970s (CNN, 05/14/09). Marijuana also damages the lungs faster than smoking cigarettes (Dept. of Allergy, Immunology, and Respiratory Medicine – Monash Univ., Australia).

What this senator does not take into account is that national pot legalization means that cities and counties could then OK selling marijuana in grocery stores, as well as permit marijuana operatives to buy thousands of acres of farmland to grow pot. It will be a new "right" to get high on marijuana at work, possibly even in areas such as public transportation.

Pot use has also been proved to have negative consequences on the developing brain for people up to the age of 25. Don't be fooled, the negative effects of pot addiction and use by the general population far outweigh any advantage the state or federal government might receive as tax revenue from retail marijuana sales.

Call your state's U.S. senator and object to this shortsighted initiative by Cory Booker. Go to www.Senate.gov to secure your senator's phone number. You can find your senator's phone number by going to the sub-title headings: 'Senators' on the website, and name your state on this site. Your opinion is important.

For more detailed information about the negative consequences of pot use (as well as firsthand testimonies from people who have overcome pot addiction), go to the website: www.MarijuanaHarmsFamilies.com ...

© James Lambert