Politics & Government
Peninsula Residents share views on Marijuana
People took a mostly positive view towards legalizing marijuana, but were sensitive when speaking about the issue.
Nearly two years after California voters voted against Prop 19, a proposal to legalize marijuana, many marijuana legalization activists say the fight is not over. Very few issues are as sensitive as the issue of drugs, due to the strong personal impact they have on families, whether positive or negative.
Legalization of marijuana can impact education, by causing greater marijuana use in schools. It can impact crime, by decriminalizing a currently criminal enterprise. It can also impact the budget, due to the potential for increased tax revenue from legal marijuana sales.
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Peninsula residents interviewed were overwhelmingly in favor of relaxing restrictions on marijuana.
“Recreational usage is fine as long as you’re not psychologically dependent,” said Jay Dedmon, who supported legalization of marijuana with age restrictions.
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Others shared personal anecdotes of how marijuana can have a positive impact on peoples’ lives.
"My mother died of cancer. I wish she could have smoked marijuana to ease the pain,” said Susan White, who added that she was glad that her son had a medical marijuana card.
Her husband, Charlie White, added that marijuana is far healthier than alcohol, and thus should not be subjected to harsher penalties.
"It has definite medicinal value,” said White.
Many others refused to give their names, because they feared their support for marijuana could be used against them.
"The war on drugs is insanity,” said one woman. “Who’s making the money here … the government? The CIA?”
“I’m not interested in getting anything in print,” said another gentleman who expressed support for all uses of marijuana.
Others still expressed personal support for marijuana due to their enjoyment of the substance.
"It’s awesome,” said Janae Peats.
Though young people are often viewed as pro-legalization, one young man, Gabriel Guzman, expressed his distaste for marijuana.
“It’s disgusting,” he said.
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