LEGALIZING MARIJUANA IS A MISGUIDED SOLUTION

Proponents of the decriminalization of marijuana have succeeded in
placing the "Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010" on the
November ballot. If passed by voters, people 21 and older would be
permitted to possess, grow and transport marijuana, and local
governments would be allowed to regulate and tax its sale and production.

As a social worker and public health advocate who has dedicated his
life's work to the prevention and treatment of the problems
associated with substance use and addiction, I have seen too many
suffering individuals, broken families and neglected communities
shattered by drug use to remain silent on the anticipated negative
consequences of this ballot measure.

The health care community has long been debating the appropriate
medical use of marijuana for people suffering from severe and chronic
health conditions. With passage of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996,
medical marijuana dispensaries are popping up in neighborhoods, and
local government officials are struggling with how to provide
medicinal access to marijuana while protecting cities' quality of life.

In my view, the legalization of marijuana would make matters worse.

Legalization will likely lead to more use of marijuana and other
illicit drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines and heroin,
especially among young people. This would bring a deepening of the
societal problems associated with substance use and addiction: the
unfair application Advertisement and prosecution of drug laws,
increased poverty and social inequality in communities of color, high
unemployment, increased traffic crimes, homelessness and poor health.

Our state's leading law enforcement and criminal justice
organizations are expected to join with many nonprofit organizations,
social advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, and state and
local elected officials in opposing this ballot measure.

Proponents may argue that marijuana is ostensibly a safe drug and
that criminalization is harsh and unnecessary. But after many years
of counseling and treating individuals and families coping with
substance use and addiction, I have found that marijuana is anything
but benign.

Most diagnostic, epidemiological, clinical and laboratory studies
indicate that marijuana dependence exists, causes real harm, and can
lead to further substance use and addiction. A number of studies have
shown a clear relationship between marijuana use and severe symptoms
of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and suicidal tendency.

Well-meaning proponents claim that legalization could save millions
of tax dollars spent on unnecessary and unfair enforcement of laws,
and that regulating the drug will generate new revenue for state and
local governments. But it is hardly a panacea for budget deficits,
since easier access to marijuana will only exacerbate the costly
societal problems associated with it.

Some of the arguments for legalization seem reasonable. But after
weighing the potential costs, benefits and consequences, I believe
that giving up on solving the core causes of substance use and
addiction sends a hopeless message to the millions of California
individuals, families and communities struggling to overcome the
devastating impacts of substance use. Please join me in opposing the
November initiative.