Marijuana Divides Boys State

By Michael Martin, Staff Writer
6/19/2008

Faced with the responsibility of running their respective areas, elected officials are eager to find new ways to raise money. One method heralded by many is the potential legalization of marijuana. This issue has many cities in unrest, with both advocates and protesters going back and forth between the governments trying to prove their point. This controversy is putting many mayors in difficult positions; follow the will of the people, or stick with their own beliefs and morals.

Legalization of marijuana does have its benefits. Marijuana is considered by many to be healthier than tobacco, and a study by the American Thoracic Society showed that people who smoke marijuana regularly have no increased risk of lung cancer from those who do not smoke. Marijuana is also said to be an effective pain killer for those who are suffering from long-term or chronic conditions with otherwise no alternative. These benefits provide a reason for some to push for the restricted or, in some cases, complete release of the drug to the public. If released, they plan to heavily tax the substance to raise money for their city, or the state as a whole.

However, there is undoubtedly substantial opposition to this move, with many saying that legalizing marijuana would increase Boys State’s already rampant crime problem. The newly elected governor, Jeremy Browning, said himself that the introduction of marijuana to the general public would not be something he supported, citing crime as a key reason. Though he may consider legalization for medical purposes, he does not believe putting the substance on the free market would be in the state’s best interest. This opposition may make the legalization of marijuana implausible, leaving cities to find new methods to generate additional revenue.

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• A Call for Educational Reform, Part Three

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