Does the Good Outweigh the Bad?

By: Rosalind Coolidge

Both in California and Colorado, possessing one ounce or less of Marijuana if you are over 21 is legal; so, what’s stopping Virginia? In the Committee Meeting for the pass or fail of Possession of Marijuana (HB4), attempting to legalize the sale, gift distributing or possession of marijuana, many concerns were presented, however, it passed in Committee, but ultimately failed in Chambers. Two of the most pressing concerns regarding the bill that led to this decision emphasize the issues of safety while driving under the influence (DUI) and the effects it will impose on the economy.

In Virginia, the regulations for a DUI of alcohol, Virginia has implemented some of the toughest restrictions in the country. Per the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), “you are legally considered driving or operating under the influence if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 percent or higher.”  In House Bill 4, no such regulations exist to monitor DUIs from Marijuana. Deanna Duncan, from Castlewood High School, presented haunting statistics relating that since the legalization of Marijuana in Colorado, DUIs have increased by 68%, suggesting that if Virginia were to pass the bill in legislation, stricter regulations would become a necessity.

If you have ever been to California or Colorado, you know that marijuana has been legalized because you can literally smell it permeating the streets. While some tourism has increased among pot-smoking enthusiasts, it comes with a cost.  Frequent users loiter on the streets, creating a less motivated community and increasing poverty.  From increased marijuana usage, parts of Colorado’s economy, especially the real estate market, has spiraled downward.  However, some sectors of the economy are making money off this billion-dollar-a-year industry.  Some, like Delegate Chandler McNelis, from St. Gertrude High School, believe that “if the marijuana industry is able to expand and grow its revenue it could definitely overtake tobacco sales.” Also, just like tobacco, commercials or ads about consumption can interest children just like tobacco did when it first was advertised. Another concern presented was that if marijuana, one of the least harmful illegal drugs was put on the market legally, would it cause an influx of drug dealers selling more dangerous drugs, such as cocaine, meth or acid? Liam Hickman, one of Youth Governor, Mark Johnston’s, cabinet members, said that if this bill were implemented that “minor drug dealers would start smoking weed themselves,” joining the rest of the marijuana community; however, he did say that there was a potential for bigger time drug dealers to look for more intense drugs so they could still gain a profit.

The consensus for this bill was positive, however it lacked the necessary regulations to make it firm and beneficial to the Commonwealth. Bill Patron, John Brown, had convincing arguments about the medicinal aspect describing that if cannabis were available to some patients, the public would see a health trends increase. Nevertheless, Brown lacked a strong argument for the recreational aspect of the drug, leading to HB4’s unceremonious end.