The Case Against Marijuana
Radio Commentary, 90.7, 91.7 New Life FM, November 7, 2014 – By Sue Ella Deadwyler
The Southern Baptist Convention Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission outlined four points to consider when considering medical marijuana legislation. First, Christians must make sure they balance their compassion with discernment. Second, Christians must not allow themselves to be persuaded that marijuana is an acceptable medical remedy. Third, Christians must stay engaged in local debates and politics to keep communities as drug-free as possible. Finally, churches must engage their communities by maintaining drug-free lifestyles themselves and providing services to reclaim lives from drug addiction.
Florida’s proposed constitutional Amendment 2 on the November 4th ballot was opposed by the Florida Agriculture Commissioner who said, “We have a family friendly atmosphere [for tourists and permanent residents] here in Florida. That’s in jeopardy if you have virtual legalization of marijuana.”
Also opposed to Amendment 2 was the Florida Chamber of Commerce President who said, “It’s too risky for our kids and for the future of our state,” because kids could get medical marijuana through a “caregiver” and their parents would never know. That reminds me of Gwinnett District Attorney Danny Porter’s statement that any marijuana bill introduced in Georgia must include an iron-clad definition of “caregiver” to prohibit such results here. In August, the Southern Cannabis Institute publicized its Medical Marijuana Industry Training Workshop that was held in October in Florida. There, participants were instructed in everything from ways to open their own marijuana clinic to growing and selling their own weed.
On Day One, workshop participants learned about Florida marijuana laws and how to start a dispensary. Day Two was about Cultivation & Edibles, how to get started and grow private crops of marijuana indoors, outdoors, and hydroponically. Also, they learned which equipment and procedures were best for watering, lighting, ventilation, drying and curing marijuana.
That training was held in Florida in October, but is available nationwide in live presentations that have been or will be held in Arizona, California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, and Michigan. Despite the workshop, or perhaps because of it, Florida’s Amendment 2 concerning medical marijuana was defeated on November 4th, falling two points short of the 60-percent majority needed for passage.
In Georgia’s marijuana study committee meeting in October, Ellen Gerstein made a very important comment about dispensaries, when she said, “We’re concerned with dispensaries. When they grow, abuse expands.” Meaning, she’s concerned that Georgia might allow dispensary owners to grow their own weed. But, if law enforcement officials have their way, NOBODY will grow marijuana in Georgia. For Georgia Insight I’m Sue Ella Deadwyler, your Capitol correspondent.