We as stoners have been battling the same point over and over. That it is a natural potentially harmless plant. That it is safer then cigs and alcohol.. even salvia. That with proper state control we can tax it and lessen our deficit. That it will weaken the cartels and add thousands of jobs in the cultivation of hemp and its products. That we as a people have rights given to us by the constitution to put in our body what we please.
The problem we face today with this November ballot especially is the fact that we have to see eye for eye with the people that do not use marijuana. With all the propaganda throught the ages it is set in stone with a lot of people that its a gateway drug. But in all reality its just the first drug somebody does that makes something gateway. If marijuana didn't exist kids would just drink cough syrup or try cigarettes or alcohol. In my personal case alcohol was the gateway substance to cocaine. and i used alcohol before marijuana.
Next, parents would say NO... for the kids of course. Those who oppose the ballot have the argument that it will be easier for kids to get it. I personal think that's bullshiz. It was way easier for me to get MJ in high school then it was to get alcohol. Because there's no black market for alcohol. If it was legalized wed all but wipe out the black market for MJ in California and it would make it even harder for kids to find it. imagine a kid standing outside a now legalized dispensary " hey man, can you get me a pack of joints" People are scared to death to by alcohol for under age kids these days given the penalties. Also if they try to argue the fact they can steal it from there parents.. i much rather have my kid steal weed then my xanax or painkillers.
Next, you know law enforcement is going to take a stand. Mostly because federal government will probably encourage them to do so. but imagine how much free time and money the police would have if they didn't have to spend money on the pursuit of marijuana. It will free up tax money to go after hardened drugs and criminals. When you think of the incarceration costs of housing a prisoner and then times it by all the bullshit convictions some poor sap gets for having over a oz on him. It adds up.
Last, the uneducated people who have never tried a "marijuana cigarette" They will see that on the ballot and for the most part will stick with what they learned in school.. Say no to drugs. a majority of people will stick with that, the mentality "well i don't need" it or "look at what alcohol has done to this country".
Its a uphill battle. that we will probably lose the first time around. Just wait.. in a few more months the TV is going to be flooded with commercials.. more against then for. Those who oppose are going to get all sorts of funding from the cotton industry, churches, federal government, may be even the cartels.. you never know.
Sorry for the long as rant. I'm baked and proud of it.