05.27.09
Arizona News Poll Reveals Majority Supports Legal Marijuana
The Arizona Star recently polled their readers to find out if they supported the initiative of legalizing marijuana in the state. Shockingly, the majority were in favor of legal marijuana in the state of Arizona. However, the periodical made sure to note that the study was not scientific and that it only reflected the opinion of those who participated.
Nonetheless, when asked: “Do you believe marijuana should be legal for recreation purposes?” 84% of readers agreed that it should. When asked: “How would you view the legalization of marijuana? (In terms of the government’s role)” 53% agreed that it was wise and 39% agreed that it would be a satisfactory means of seeking tax revenue. Finally, when asked: “What effect do you believe legalizing marijuana would have on drug trafficking and its related violence?” 70% thought it would decrease significantly, while only 9% claimed no effect.
For me, the poll reflects the trend of medical and legal marijuana across the US. It also makes sense, as the “Baby Boomer” generation is now in full control of the reins. After all, they were also the generation marked by the “hippie” drug culture. Still, I conclude that these Arizonians, and many others, are oblivious to the realities of legalizing drugs. I would argue from the slippery slope premise and say that there is a snowball effect. Basically, you start with allowing medical marijuana, and then it is all together legal, which eventually leads to the legalization of all drugs.
What kills more people per year, illegal drugs or legal drugs and alcohol? Answer, legal drugs and alcohol. Of course, common sense would tell us because it is more readily available when legal and less controlled.
Jay said,
June 8, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Those are some impressive percentages. Sounds like Arizona is well on its way to joining us in legalizing medical marijuana. AZ citizens, get involved and make sure it happens!
Crystal said,
July 29, 2009 at 1:04 am
legalizing pot is not the end of the world. 49% of people in jail or prison in Arizona are there for drug charges. As far as your comment about people dieing more from legal drugs then illegal drugs, if you could take away the alchol from that equazion then you would have a totally different result. everyday people are out there driving drunk and killing innocent people and babies. if anything alchol cause rage and a fighting instint in most people where as pot gives people the munchies and makes you laugh and relax. i personally do not use pot but am a clear advocate for it to be legal. it would increase the states income just as it has in other states and at this point Arizona is in a financial crisis.
Joe said,
October 2, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Marijauna should be legal beverywhere. There are in fact no Weed related deaths known to date, except those linked to a dangerous behavior. Weed kills no brain cells!!! Only the lack of oxygen to the brain does. That means when you go swimming and hold your breath under water, it kills about the same number of brain cells. My solution, make holding your breath Illeagal. It causes more harm than weed. So if weed isn’t legalized soon, I wanna see holding your breath made illegal.
Vanessa said,
November 18, 2009 at 12:47 am
In all respect and honesty alcohol, tobacco and prescription drugs kill more people than the Marijuana plant. I have worked in the medical field and have seen many patients die from kidney to liver failure because of all the FDA approved medications. If we as Arizonans can legalize marijuana I guarantee you the drug cartels in Mexico and the United states will lose mass amount of their income, because it is their largest seller. Another fact is that Arizona is in debt, do to very bad management of funds and to tell you the truth the tourist marketing is horrid. If we could legalize this plant and tax it like alcohol and tobacco we could lift up our economy and focus on more major issues as other more harmful man made drugs that are becoming more abundant such as crystal meth. We can also use the money for our schooling system since we are practically the most ignorant state in America. If this offends you I apologize, but all you have to do is look at our school rankings and our state debt. Now I keep hearing how harmful this plant is, but I have never heard of a fatality. How many people do you know have died of alcoholic, tobacco or man made prescription deaths?
Larry Powell said,
September 8, 2010 at 12:53 am
I cannot understand why Methadone is even allowed with its reputation of side effects and death potential,
legal Marijuana would give those with pain disorders and such an other option from these side effects, And damage to the body such as liver/kidneys failure.
MARIJUANA needs to be legal Please help with your vote.