Sunday, March 6, 2011

Cannabis bars bad, Alcohol bars good says Michigan Senate

The fall out over Michigan's medical marijuana law continues. The loosely worded proposal was approved by 61% of Michigan voters in 2008. However, many politicians, some law enforcement officers and a few local governments do not like it. Cannabis bars or clubs have begun to pop up around the state. The medical marijuana law does not forbid such clubs, but does not necessarily allow them either. Senate Republicans decided to take action this week.

WDIV March 3

The Republican-led Senate Health Policy Committee passed the bill Thursday. The legislation advances to the Senate floor.
 The bill defines the clubs and bars as places where medical marijuana is used for a fee. Violations would be punishable by up to 90 days in jail with fines of up to $500.

Grand Ledge Republican Sen. Rick Jones sponsored the bill. He says the bars endanger the public because people might drive afterward. That makes sense on paper. People using strong medication shouldn't drive. But doesn't anyone else see the obvious hypocrisy?

Alcohol clubs... er I mean bars, are everywhere. They are a source of revenue for the state. Thousands are employed in the alcohol distribution industry. From the Teamster beer truck driver to your favorite local bartender, all are in employed in a business that serves poison. This may seem over the top, but if you drink enough alcohol will you die. In fact, this year nearly 11,000 people will die in the country from crashes caused by drunk driving, roughly one person every 50 minutes.

So why is one industry the creates addicts, destroys health, and plays a role in the death of tens of thousands approved of and another is not? Simple, folks are used to it. Whether you agree with alcohol consumption or not, it is accepted. Cannabis is still an unknown for many. It has been illegal in the Untied  States for a long time. It is human nature to fear change and unknowns.

It is not that ensuring the safety of motorists is wrong. In fact, it is good. However, this is the 21st century. The ante has been upped.. Politicians must be held accountable. They need to have statistics that prove their actions are appropriate. And if there is proof, they then must explain why alcohol is exempt.

The disaster of prohibition should have taught a great lesson. Unfortunately, the same arguments are being made. The same game is being played. It is time for politicians to stop attacking marijuana users and the popular medical marijuana law. Instead,  figure out how to use it to raise revenue and create jobs. Lessons from the 20th century have already shown the way.

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