Image Credit: Laurie Avocado / CC
by Thomas Antkow [Special to The Tennessee Conservative] –
I’m open to being challenged on this.
I was always under the impression that Conservatism included capitalism, free enterprise, and personal freedom. Embracing small government, and finally entrepreneurism, have always been my guiding light.
From my days as a Boy Scout raising money for my troop. Selling Burpee Seeds door to door. Offering the Encyclopedia Britannica to young married couples to assist in the education of their first child. Promoting affordable single vintage wines from around the world through the “try before you buy” principal. Promoting real estate. Educating drivers of all ages, from teens to seniors, on how to be safe, independent, and minimize liability. All while religiously following a moral compass that pointed me in the direction of “Doing No Harm”.
Let’s explore personal freedom.
(NOTE: In November 2012, Colorado legalized marijuana for adults over age 21 by passing Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution). When I was a resident of Colorado involved as the founder of a commercial driving school following the death of my daughter in a car crash, I recall reading an article about how entrepreneur brothers in our state discovered a way to grow a hybrid form of marijuana that lowered the THC level (minimizing the psychotropic effect) and increasing the CBD (non-psychotropic part). CBD was the apparent beneficial portion without getting “high”.
The final product, when processed in “liquid or pill form”, had an amazing effect on reducing the devastating seizure activity in young children suffering from that disorder. The reason that liquid or pill form was the recommended delivery system and not inhalation was that pills and liquids had a slower release rate into the body. Even though they absorbed more slowly they were the safest way to ingest the beneficial elements without any possible damage to the lungs. Especially with regards to young children. Pills and liquids were obviously more practical and more controllable. After extensive research it appeared that CBD might contain beneficial uses in “some” medical applications. Research is ongoing in the category. We know plenty about THC.
Henceforth the explosion in the CBD industry began. The use of marijuana among Mexican immigrants in the early 1900’s and the “Glorification of Pot” by author Jack Kerouac’s character, Sal Paradise inspired “hippieism” into the Denver and Boulder areas, Pot has been transformed into an acceptable means of escaping reality.
About legalization.
I am not opposed to legal pot. Individual freedom is in our heritage. However, I vehemently oppose the down sides. I have witnessed many post-legalization issues, some listed below.
Lack of concentration. Overdoses from edibles. Distractibility while driving. The “Spicoli Effect” on teen learning. Black markets. Illegal grow operations. Gang infestation. Influx of competing drug cartels and crime. Juvenile accessibility. Homelessness. Profiteering. Greed by local “leaders” looking to make a buck. Gateway implications for folks with low impulse control or addictive personality disorders. Vaping in schools.
Unfortunately, like legal booze, the downsides outweigh the benefits. Although, I still support personal choice if it doesn’t harm or endanger others.
All the above “side issues” have been thoroughly researched and validated. I concede. Some applications contain positive benefits. However, do we really need more of our tax dollars appropriated to do more research? I admit. Greed won’t stop the black market, shady doctors, or unlicensed dispensary issues. But might help document real need and accessibility.
We all know that prohibition was/is a failure. Even though I hate to admit it. The prescription route may be a necessary means to observe and the reporting for better education, control and areas of need and use.
My advice? Want to Ingest? Stay off the roads. Ride sober on your bicycles, skateboards and electric or any manual means of public transportation. Stick to your couches and enjoy your munchies.
Promote hemp for textiles. Stop smoking it!
THOMAS ANTKOW is currently a freelance writer and produced and hosted his own daily radio show on KCSF AM 1300 and co-hosted talk shows for KVOR AM 740 for Cumulus Broadcasting in Colorado Springs. He can be reached at taradio863@gmail.com. You can subscribe to Tom’s FREE newsletter at: Antkow.substack.com
One Response
I am an accountant for the cannabis industry – Hemp and Marijuana. Some of the downsides you mentioned are from the early days of legalization and there are now credible studies refuting them.
The Black market existed long before legalization. Legalization has only made a Very minimal dent in the black market due the price difference between operating legally and illegally.
I will give you crime – unfortunately, since Congress can’t pass a Safe Banking Act, the marijuana industry remains a high cash business which does entice the seedy characters in our society to steal. Often with illegal weapons.
A team of economists associated with Temple University in Philadelphia, the University of Arkansas, Little Rock and Eastern Kentucky University assessed the relationship between legalized medical cannabis access (via licensed dispensaries) and auto insurance premiums between the years 2014 and 2019. Auto premiums actually declined due to less accidents, especially in areas that previously had a high number of drunk driving accidents. They actually determined there was a positive effect on auto safety with the legalization of medical marijuana.
I don’t care either way if recreational is legalized. I think it should be for freedom of choice. I think it should be because alcohol is and alcohol is more dangerous and is actually the gateway to many other drugs and lifetime issues.
I absolutely want medical to be legalized for a very wide range of issues. Our VA prescribes our Veterans Gabapentin for PTSD and neuropathy. It is a terrible drug with literal mind numbing side effects. My Step Dad, a Vetern, who was always mentally alert and spent his career as a facilities manager was on it and couldn’t even balance his checkbook or remember what button to press on his phone to send a call. I finally talked him into trying medical marijuana (he still lives in a State where it’s legal). 2 months later, his mental capacity has improved 100% and without his PTSD or neuropathy returning. I have a friend in NY who hasn’t had a seizure in over two years since she started medical marijuana. My Aunt who has struggled her whole life with Crohn’s disease is in remission and has been for over a year since starting medical edibles.
I believe to deny people the choice of medical marijuana, a God given healing plant, is wrong. The more time I spend learning about the Cannabis industry, the benefits of it and hearing 1st hand testimonies to the benefits, the stronger my conviction has become that denying people the choice for medical use is wrong.
Is it a perfect solution – No. Is it for everyone – No. Should people be allowed to choose for themselves – 100% Yes!