Ohioans’ support to legalize recreational marijuana makes the state less safe for everyone

.

100115 cohen marijuana oregon
A sample of cannabis is shown in a sniffer at Shango Premium Cannabis, in Portland , Ore., Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015. (AP Photo/Timothy J. Gonzalez) Timothy J. Gonzalez

Ohioans’ support to legalize recreational marijuana makes the state less safe for everyone

Video Embed

Marijuana is a harmful drug. That seems to be an unpopular opinion nowadays, but that doesn’t make the statement any less accurate. It has been linked to significant mental health problems such as depression and suicide ideation, a loss of IQ points, brain abnormalities, and a decline in cognitive functions, among other adverse effects. A recent study has even linked the drug to “heart failure and heart attacks.” Yet despite all these dangers, Ohioans approved a ballot measure Tuesday night to legalize the use of recreational marijuana in the Buckeye State.

DEMOCRATS SPOOKED AFTER BIDEN SHOCK POLL AND FRET TRUMP WHITE HOUSE COMEBACK

Ohio became the 24th state to legalize the use of recreational marijuana. Yet as dangerous as it is, the election victory on Tuesday night isn’t altogether shocking. The marijuana industry has spent millions, if not billions, over the years to convince the public that cannabis is a benevolent drug. Additionally, popular culture has affected public sentiment regarding marijuana as numerous movies, television shows, songs, actors, and athletes have all embraced using marijuana.

There aren’t any rap songs by Snoop Dogg detailing how marijuana can cause heart attacks. Comedian Dave Chappelle never tells jokes about the link between smoking marijuana and suicide ideation. Actor Seth Rogen never makes movies that depict a fatal car crash while using marijuana (despite statistics showing a significant increase in this very thing). The propaganda behind the drug is a powerful, influential, and well-oiled machine. As a result, the risks associated with marijuana are rarely ever publicized.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

This is why Ohioans made a grave mistake Tuesday night by supporting Issue 2, which legalized the use of recreational marijuana. Voters jeopardized the safety and welfare of everyone in the state as a result. Maybe most voters weren’t aware of the risks, or perhaps they didn’t care. Regardless, whether it’s the recent revelation of the link between marijuana use and severe heart conditions, a loss in IQ points and the development of other brain abnormalities, or the increase in traffic fatalities that happen in states that legalize the drug, one thing is certain: Ohioans are less safe today than they were yesterday.

© 2023 Washington Examiner

Related Content