THE BUZZ This week’s question: What do you think about the prospect of legalizing recreational marijuana in Virginia?
The Buzz is a weekly question about an issue affecting the residents of Hampton Roads.
The “War on Drugs” has been a dismal failure, a huge waste of money and largely a misuse of the criminal justice system. Legalizing marijuana is a small but significant step in correcting a wrong that has resulted in the incarceration of many people who have harmed no one.
Paul D. Ruffle, James City County
I believe the prospect of legalizing recreational marijuana is high. It might take a few more years. I can’t recall the last time I read about an arrest involving large scale distribution. It seems like enforcement has taken a back seat, or the press is not reporting it.
Mike Brewer, Hampton
I think this is a terrible idea. We already have enough problems to deal with and adding marijuana to list of problems is not necessary. Why is it necessary to legalize marijuana? Taxes? The cost to people, the state and medical services is not worth it.
William Henderson, Newport News
I am in favor of it. Have not had a hit since college back in the 1960s and ’70s. With the private prisons, judges and police needing an excuse to go after people of color lobbying against it … well, I think it’s a pipe dream, a smoke screen, a joint effort doomed to fail.
D.A. Willard, James City County
Went to college in California and saw first-hand in friends what pot does to the brain. And in those days, pot wasn’t laced with fillers. Nobody knows exactly what’s been added because each brand keeps that a secret. However, none of it can be good for the human body nor the human mind.
Toni Beacham, Williamsburg
I think it would be a good change to keep young people from having a criminal record for getting caught using it.
Ed Fly, Hampton
Prospect of? Probably not good. Making it illegal was as good an idea as alcohol prohibition. Both increased organized and violent crime. Any profitable business should be part of open commerce where thefts and other business disagreements can be settled through the courts. Today such things are “settled” with violence.
Joseph L. Bass, Suffolk
Legalizing recreational marijuana in Virginia? Sure, why not, but with one caveat no one dares to mention: Under no circumstances should any individual be allowed to drive. So why risk the rest of us to yet another reckless driver, since many of us are already victims of drivers under
the influence of alcohol?
Tom Somma, Virginia Beach
I am against it. It’s dangerous to provide a ready-made temptation to have people smoke marijuana and then have them possibly drive and cause accidents. Drivers’ lack of inhibitions due to being stoned is one more evil we don’t need in Virginia.
Andrew Byrne, Hampton
I have no objections with the prospect of legalizing recreational use of marijuana, but I do have grave concerns on how state legislation will deal with the means of distribution, the packaging, safety and product quality and additional legislation to deal with abuse in areas of public safety (driving laws, uncontrollable habitual use, minors obtaining and using, etc.).
Ross Kearney, Hampton
Legalization proponents claim enforcement is just too bothersome. Plus, there is big money to be made by government and individuals. “Big Weed” badly wants a foothold in Virginia. So, let’s ignore the social costs and medical ramifications and rake in that filthy lucre, but beware the Law of Unintended Consequences!
Don Vtipil, Norfolk
Finally! There will be a stiff weed tax that mostly Democrats get to pay. You know there’s going to be a tax! Newly unemployed drug dealers will start holding up us non-users to support themselves. What else could go wrong?
Don Lovett, Smithfield
The whole idea by misguided legislators and the governor is financially driven, mistakenly. The costs of treating long-term abusers of marijuana vastly outweighs the tax gains perceived. Then there’s the negative effect on the individual, family, employer, society in general. Want to share the road with a stoned driver hauling 40 tons?
Herb De Groft, Smithfield
I don’t. However, I do believe it’ll increase teen use. I believe medical emergencies will rise. I believe revenue from legalization will fall short of the costs in increased hospital visits, addiction treatment, crime, workplace accidents and lost productivity. And I believe marijuana use ultimately harms physically and mentally.
Eric J. Moyer, Hampton
Next week’s question: What advice would you have for President-elect Joe Biden as he begins his term this month?
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