EDITOR:

We have taken a great deal of time to research and study the issues concerning the legalization of recreational marijuana in Michigan. Here are just some of the facts that were found:

1. The Controlled Substances Act classifies marijuana as a Schedule 1 substance, which states it has a high potential for abuse.

2. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana is the most abused drug in the United States.

3. The American Medical Association Policy on Cannabis states that “cannabis is a dangerous drug, and as such, is a serious public health concern.”

4. The Detroit branch of the NAACP joined law enforcement officials, and health professionals in Michigan, and had urged a ‘No’ vote on Proposal 1, because legalizing recreational marijuana “supports the very issues that are harming our neighborhoods and killing our families,” said Kamilia Landrum, Deputy Director of the Detroit Branch of the NAACP.

5. According to MLive Media Group, “Nearly every county sheriff in Michigan and a large number of county prosecutors voiced their opposition to legalizing recreational marijuana. Police leadership organizations, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and the Michigan Sheriffs Association, have also endorsed their opposition.”

6. Because the FDA does not approve and oversee marijuana, the purity and potency of the drug may vary considerably, causing significant health and safety risks.

Why would Americans be allowed to vote on the legality of marijuana and not on other schedule 1 drugs? It has nothing to do with the health and well-being of our citizens or the cities they live in. It has everything to do with the amount of money certain politicians and business owners stand to gain. The projected 10 percent tax revenue is intended, but not promised, for schools, roads and municipalities. Will the money be needed instead to help address the increased problems legalization could cause? Why not give this law some time to see where the liabilities and potential benefits shake out? Let’s see if the liabilities outweigh the benefits before opting in.

We are respectfully requesting that the Escanaba City Council wait to see how other cities fare with the decisions and regulations they enact. Our downtown has so much potential, and leads to a most beautiful park and waterfront. Let’s not let our city’s valuable assets go up in smoke.

Matt and Beth Sviland

Escanaba