Both sides of the legalization debate are scrambling to sway opinion
Opponents and proponents alike are in a frenzy to convince as many as possible to vote their way in the upcoming midterm elections. Campaigns are clogging up all possible media channels with just a week remaining before voters take to the polls in what could very well be a critical time for the future of legalized cannabis in the country.
In Michigan, a number of groups, including some representing police officers and military veterans, have launched efforts to show their support for marijuana. There is also a series of ads circulating by the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol that touts the economic benefits and the impact legal marijuana can have on criminal justice.
On the other side of the debate, the Healthy and Productive Michigan group, a group that is feverishly working to prevent legalization, tries to support its cause by making fabricated claims about marijuana and how it can impair judgment. Fortunately, actual science and reality are able to put the group in its place.
In Missouri, New Approach Missouri is hoping the state will pass at least one of three ballot measures that could lead to medical marijuana being approved. It calls on a series of doctors, veterans and others, all of whom explain the virtues of marijuana in combatting a number of health issues.
As in other states, Missouri has its share of marijuana deniers. One of these is a former mayor who obviously isn’t able to keep up with the proven traits of marijuana in helping hundreds of thousands of individuals lead a fuller life.
Residents of other states, such as Utah and Wisconsin, are also being submitted to a saturation of ads on legalized marijuana. What opponents don’t realize, though, is that they’re fighting a losing battle. Over two-thirds of the entire population have already acknowledged their support for legalization and the continued awareness of the plant’s benefits will continue to drive this number upward. Instead of fighting a losing battle, they should concentrate their efforts on ensuring legalization within a tight framework that helps grow economies and serves the best interest of the public.
