If marijuana is legalized in California, what is the worst that could happen? Timothy Egan gives you his opinion to this controversial question in the New York Times article Reefer Gladness. This article seems to lean to the left, so its audience is most likely liberals, who are for legalization; it really speaks for them. He argues that Proposition 19, the act to legalize marijuana in California, could lower crime and violence rates. He states that the main opposition to legalization (The California Beer and Beverage Distributors and The California Cannabis Association) is driven by money; if Proposition 19 passes, then their income will fall. He also states that the legalization movement has been running 35 years strong and doesn’t deny the cons. “pot is a mind altering recreational diversion that is not worthy of having the weight, misery and money of the criminal-judicial-industrial complex against it.” Timothy believes that many people abuse pot, but the same can be said for television, computer games, nicotine or alcohol.
I think he makes some good points but fails to support or expand on his claims. After reading the article several times, I think the general message is one I have to agree with: yeah, pot isn’t the greatest thing for you, but neither is alcohol or cigarettes; everything in moderation. It could actually have some benefits as well. If legalized, the taxing of marijuana could generate some serious money. Overall, I think the article is very opinionated, with little factual support.
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