Ask the young victims
Three commentators give their views on whether to decriminalise dope, and how a legal market might look.
At the 2020 general election, we are set to have a binding referendum on whether we should legalise marijuana. What really frightens me is that far too few people will actually research all the facts regarding marijuana and make an educated decision.
I’m a specialist caregiver who’s had more than 400 teenage boys live with us in our family home over 18 years. I work on the frontline with youth, and I’ve seen first-hand the massive negative effects marijuana has had on not only youth, but on their families and communities.
The most gut-wrenching is seeing so many youths, who had so much potential, come to us with drug-induced psychosis. For some of them, it took years to reach that point. For others, it was too quick.
In most cases, the drug addictions these youth have can be attributed to their past environment and upbringing. Drugs for them are the norm.
So many people will refer to the fact that there are next to no marijuanarelated deaths. Actually, the alternative reality is worse. Rather than death, we have both youth and adults with brain damage that will affect them for the rest of their lives. They need constant mental health assistance, lifelong government support, and will never have the opportunity to live a normal life.
Marijuana is killing New Zealanders, maybe not physically, but mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.
Many youths we’ve journeyed alongside, who have made positive lives for themselves, will tell you that legalisation advocates are wrong, and removed from reality.
It is sad, and ironic, that these youths cannot understand why any government that cares about the people would even consider legalising marijuana.
Many of these youth would not have struggled with drug addictions at such a young age if their parents had not taken drugs. Many would not have been in trouble with the law if drugs had not been part of their upbringing.
Children reflect their environment. Their parents are the first role models and their first influencers.
I believe marijuana would not be legalised if the decision was to be made by people on the front line, such as doctors, nurses, mental health workers, teachers, counsellors and many others. Why? Because these people deal first-hand with the damage and long-term side-effects of marijuana, and because they have researched the facts.
I implore New Zealanders to research. Make sure you have all the unbiased facts before you vote. Legalising marijuana would be the start of a dangerous, slippery slope.
Finally, I’d like to challenge any politician who supports the legalisation of marijuana to visit our home and spend some time with our youth in care. You’re welcome to come and hear their stories about how marijuana has affected both them and their families, and learn some home truths from their life experiences.