The False Argument - Wyoming lessons from pro-pot forces aiming for Florida

by Wyoming Liberty Group

Black is white. Up is down. Right is wrong.

That's kind of the crazy concept behind the ballot initiative in Florida that's seeking to legalize marijuana for adult use—or so-called "recreational" weed. (It's not a pastime, for the uninitiated.)

The pro-pot forces there, aiming for the November ballot, are turning arguments and logic on their head, confusing voters, in the hopes of cracking open the lucrative market in Florida—much as they have been trying to do for years in Wyoming.

Let's be on guard in the Cowboy state and pay close attention to the laughable but apparently effective (and slippery) arguments being made in Florida to try to convince people to open the door to legalize adult-use marijuana.

Argument #1: That there's so much illegal marijuana in Florida, you need to have the legal kind. Otherwise, you're left with the illegal pot, and who knows what's in that variety?

This, of course, is ridiculous. It's like saying, there's bad stuff out there already, so let's let in the bad stuff, so we can keep a close eye on it. It leaves unsaid: It's still bad stuff.

In brief, they're playing on people's fears. Go for the safer stuff, they're arguing. They actually highlight such terms as "safe" and "smart" in their marketing campaign.

Not sure what's "smart" about any of their gobbledygook. But you get the idea: they're pushing the illusory notion of accepting weed that's tested, or regulated—never mind that, in states that have legalized pot, regulations have often failed to ensure the safety of the marijuana being peddled or the people who are taking the mind-altering drug.

Argument #2: Legalizing adult-use pot in Florida is tantamount to supporting moms and freedom.

It's hard to argue with moms and freedom, but it's a nutty appeal, right? Here's the distorted logic: That moms are in favor of this ballot initiative, and moms are always right.

Moms, by the way, are usually right, but they're certainly not all in favor of legalizing marijuana for adult use.

And then what's this patter about freedom? Well, pro-pot forces aren't just talking about freedom—but individual freedom—which of course is a great and enduring American concept, one that resonates in our great state of Wyoming, where rugged individualism has long reigned.

But the idea that legalizing adult-use marijuana equates to individual freedom is undermined by the plain facts. When people are addicted, that's not so much of a choice. When a person is in a drug-induced stupor, causing car accidents and other health and bodily harm, that's not a form of freedom.

Argument #3: Pro-pot forces make the implicit contention that the proverbial train has left the station and that Florida wouldn't be alone in legalizing marijuana for adult use.

That's actually two arguments. But they're both a kind of trick. Just because others are doing it—millions of people, they would say—and just because other states have legalized the drug, it doesn't make it right, nor does it mean it's in our best interests.

Argument #4: Legalizing adult-use marijuana in Florida is good for police and schools. Who, after all, is against protecting our community and supporting our children?

But it's another whopper of an argument. Because a multitude of studies and reports show that legalizing marijuana causes a rise in various crimes and negatively impacts the brains—and health—of our children.

Also overlooked is the fact that the so-called benefits of legalization, raising revenue for states in need of it, is offset by the huge societal costs brought about by the wreckage of marijuana: ER and hospital visits and the toll on the environment, just to name a few.

So, let's get to the real reason behind the Florida ballot initiative, and why pro-pot forces are coming after Wyoming, too. In a word: money. Pro-pot forces see Florida and our state as lucrative new markets. These are not charities pushing pot. Trulieve, one of the major marijuana companies in the United States, is a significant force behind the campaign in Florida, reportedly spending upwards of $50 million so far to convince voters to change the state constitution, allowing people over 21 to buy pot legally.

Let's also not forget that pro-pot forces first opened the Florida market by legalizing so-called "medical" marijuana. That's how they got their foot in the door there, and how they've tried to slip into Wyoming.

And now, pro-pot forces are using yet another effective technique: Veterans who support marijuana. Who, after all, is against our heroes who fought for our country? That's like being against mom (see above), pop and apple pie.

The Florida governor, however, isn't buying the marketing mumbo jumbo, warning that legalizing pot will reduce people's quality of life. We in Wyoming should take heed.