Cheryl Collins: Costs of legal marijuana far too high a price to pay

Regarding Proposition 64, the legalization of recreational marijuana use: I hope common sense prevails against greedy businessmen and tax-crazed politicians. They tell us legalizing marijuana will reduce crime and generate large amounts of tax revenue. Proponents fail to address the real-life issues we can expect if this proposition passes. It should be no surprise when we see an increase in: vehicle deaths due to marijuana-impaired drivers; neglected children whose parents are stoned, increasing the number of children in foster care; impaired brain development in children 0-3 years as they are forced to breathe second-hand smoke; a decline in workplace productivity, student attendance and performance in school.

What’s next, legalizing cocaine and heroin? The fiscal implications of addressing these issues alone will likely consume anticipated tax revenues. Any substance that impairs the good judgment of individuals adversely impacts society in ways that reach across generations. To those citizens and politicians who are currently smoking marijuana illegally, don’t punish the children and families who stand to pay a very high price for your selfishness and greed. Your loved ones might end up a victim of a marijuana-impaired driver; if not yours, someone else’s will. Vote no on Proposition 64.

This story was originally published October 31, 2016 at 5:06 PM with the headline "Cheryl Collins: Costs of legal marijuana far too high a price to pay."