No boogie man

I have yet to see a thoughtful article or opinion piece in The Oklahoman that articulates the “yes” position on State Question 788. The quick acceptance of legal marijuana across the country makes it obvious that its day as a legal substance here is inevitable. Why so much resistance? People are finally wising up and realizing that marijuana isn’t the danger that we have been told it is.

The fact that you cannot overdose from marijuana should be enough to realize that it should be legal. It’s safer than alcohol on every level, yet we loosen up our alcohol laws without a second thought. How many times each year do we hear about a college student overdosing from alcohol? That never happens with marijuana. I’m a criminal defense attorney. I see the effects of marijuana prohibition. The Oklahoman — and other non-marijuana users — would be shocked to know how many people smoke marijuana. The illegality of marijuana is the greatest harm. People who are law abiding in every other way who get caught with marijuana in Oklahoma now are immediately labeled criminals. They have a black mark on their record that they must work extra hard to overcome.

Medical marijuana, and SQ 788, is a step in the right direction. Approval must still be granted by a medical professional. Just like in every other state that legalized medical marijuana, the citizens of Oklahoma will see that marijuana is not the boogie man that The Oklahoman is making it out to be.

Frank A. Urbanic, Oklahoma City