October 20, 2014
Monday PM

Ok, I had someone tell me today that they hoped the pot initiative would not pass because of "All those kids who died from overdose in Colorado." I was shocked! Someone had died from an overdose of marijuana? I would have thought that something like that would make national news, probably world news, if it was true and undeniable. I passed it off because I had not kept up with the latest info on it, guessing that if it was true then they must have eaten their parent's edibles. I went to Google and checked news reports, college research papers, and drug awareness and prevention groups.

I found a farce news report saying 37 people died on the first day it was legalized in Colorado. I found real news reports about people overdosing (which had not resulted in ANY DEATHS, or permanent damage) and doing stupid things resulting in Darwin Award quality deaths. Ok, so people are dying from foolish behaviors and unknown health conditions because they are exposed to pot. Yes there have been children who get ahold of marijuana laced foods and are taken to hospitals, but they are more scared than any real physical injury (common cures are medicines to reduce heart rates and calm patients, which is the medical equivalent of sleeping off a high). So the only conclusion I have is that propaganda against pot is doing its job and confusing the truth in people who have never tried marijuana. So how is someone who will not, or can't try marijuana supposed to know what the drug really does, or what it is capable of? Well, once the initiative is passed, more pot smokers are going to admit their use. It's like being a closet gay, the more people accept it the more people will talk about it.

If you have not experienced pot, and the culture around it then there is no way to really explain. Do research, ask, find out the views of both sides. Propaganda abounds, and even the most careful person is gullible until they have done their research. There is a strong pot culture hidden in every corner of Ketchikan, and everyone knows people who have or do smoke marijuana.

Legalizing it may not happen this year, but it WILL happen as more people come to know the truths behind it. As Alaskans we live here to be free, to challenge ourselves, and only those who know the truth can teach others.

Marie Zellmer
Ketchikan, Alaska

Received October --, 2014 - Published October 20, 2014

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