Public should wait for proof that supports I-692
by John Turner

October 12, 1998 - Everett Herald - newmedia@heraldnet.com

Since 1992 the facts are that public concern for marijuana has decreased and teenage usage has increased. Research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse as well as the National Institutes of Health show clear and convincing evidence that marijuana causes "amotional syndrome," which is characterized by "decreased drive and ambition, impaired communication skills and a diminshed effectiveness in interpersonal relationships." These the same background factors that are associated with those who commit violent criminal acts. These the same background factors that educators say are impeding our youth to receive a good education. What does it take for us to make the connection between marijuana use and societal ills?

The question before us in Initiative 692 this election is not whether we have compassion for someone who is terminally ill but whether marijuana should be a considered a medicine with loosely regulated controls? Our society, like many civilized societies, has until now utilized research, scientific evidence and a recognized body of experts to determine what is appropriate medicine for a particular ailment. We have come a long way from the days of the medicine man hawkster who would sell his homemade remedy (using either alcohol or cocaine as a main ingredient) on the street corner without a license -- or have we?

Before we attempt to answer the medicine questions, we should understand the historical perspective of why this initiative. And why now? For as long as time can remember, there has been a political movement to legalize all illicit drugs. Financial backers of this movement have even raised $20 million to discredit law enforcement as being ineffective on the "war on drugs," incorrectly stating that the prisons are filled with marijuana-users so there is no room for violent criminals.

Please consider the facts. From 1960 to 1980 (a period of high drug use) drug incarceration fell 374 percent. Murders increased 100 percent, robberies 318 percent. Drug use among teens climbed more than 500 percent. Now consider the facts from 1980 to 1995. Drug incarceration rates rose 447 percent. The murder and robbery rates declined. High school drug use went down a third.

While these statistics are not perfect, they do prove that law enforcement efforts have become more effective in recent years. From a more local perspective, I will freely admit that as a law enforcement officer of 27 years here in the Puget Sound area we have only begun to touch the surface on the drug underground. Drug task forces did not become a reality until 1988 but since that time we have become very effective with their use.

Now for the medicine question: Should marijuana be considered a medicine? Certainly not from what we know at this point. But who's to say that perhaps some time in the future research may prove differently.

There are respected medical professionals who believe that marijuana may have medical benefits and respected medical organizations who have called for more medical research related to the benefits of marijuana. This is warranted and should be the public policy expectation, not a vote of a sympathetic electorate who are prone to believe a $20 million one-sided publicity campaign.

More should be expected. Lt. Gov. Brad Owen has wisely called for a six-point plan to protect the public's health. Legitimate proposals to test the medical efficacy of smoked marijuana should include:

1. Legal immunity for the state.

2. Legitimate scientific research first.

3. Limited conditions of use, not just "serious illness" which has a broad meaning.

4. Use only when proven medications have failed.

5. A safe product with defined channels of distribution.

6. Education. Not a $20 million campaign to discredit law enforcement, give false facts and provide false hope.

During the recent political campaign in Arizona and California, teen-age use of marijuana increased by 6 percent, according to a poll conducted by the Partnership for Drug Free America. In the poll, teens stated, "I hear more and more talk about legalizing marijuana." That, experts say, reduces the teens' "perception of great risk." To me, this poses much greater harm to our children and the future of our country.

My mother died of cancer in 1977. Unless you have experienced the pain, there is no way you can say, "I know how you feel." I would have done anything to reduce my mother's suffering. My mother never did meet my daughter, who is now 8 years old. But I do know my mother would have never stood for anything that would jeopardize my daughter's hope for a bright future.

This is not an issue of compassion. Vote no! Let's wait for science and proper research by experts to determine what ought to be medicine and what should not. Thank you for taking the time to educate yourself on this important issue.

John Turner is chief of police for the city of Mountlake Terrace.

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