Here is the un-edited version of my letter that was published in “Open mic” section of the Bohemian in their October 12-18, 2016 issue. Proposition 64 is the California marijuana legalization initiative. Since marijuana is agriculture, and agriculture is the number one cause of water pollution, this is an issue that definitely pertains to ocean health and cleanliness. While I do support the concept of legalization, this is a bad bill. Too often in today’s society people tend to think about what is good for the INDIVIDUAL and not what is good for society and the environment. Please read on and see what you think. Happy reading!
As an older teenager and as a young adult in my twenties who was a user of recreational marijuana, I remember that I always supported the legalization of marijuana. However, in more recent times, as a mature adult who has, hopefully, gained some wisdom over the years, I find my attitude towards legalization changing due to a few social and scientific realities.
First of all, what is pot? Pot is agriculture, and agriculture constitutes the number one cause of water pollution due to three factors: sedimentation, nutrients, and chemicals. And in the case of animal agriculture, add to that list pathogens. The difference between pot and most of the other vegetables used in agriculture is that most vegetables are used for nutrition to sustain human life. Marijuana agriculture is used to get high which is not necessary to sustain human life, in most cases.
We all are aware of how the wine industry has helped to turn our local politicians into bought and paid for political prostitutes. We are also aware of how the wine industry has hurt local biodiversity levels as well as the big drain on the water supply and its effect on fish populations. If pot becomes legalized, the amount of money generated in the industry will help to spawn a whole new generation of lobbyists and the political prostitutes they so dearly love. Will all of the problems created by the wine industry be made worse by a bunch of money grubbing, nitrogen dumping, sediment creating, agricultural monstrosities the likes of Cargill, Archer Daniels Midland, Gallo, etc? Apparently, this particular piece of legislation is geared to be more beneficial to the big corporate entities than the little “mom and pop” type of operations (surprise, surprise!)
The term unintended consequences comes to mind when I ponder this subject. A recent study by the University of Mississippi concluded that the legalization of marijuana caused a substantial increase in the price of housing in Colorado. Is there any reason to think that would not happen here? With all of the problems we already have with skyrocketing rents, how much will the legalization of marijuana exacerbate that particular problem?
As the (over)population of California approaches 40 million people, voters need to be extra careful about what type of industry we permit to establish itself in a state already burdened with so many social and environmental problems. If there were only 4 million people in California instead of 39.something million, I might jump on board the legalization train, but the social and environmental infrastructure is already too strained. Let’s think about the big picture. Will we have to build a shiny new desalination plant at Bodega Bay to support this industry? If we desire our society and natural environment to be truly sustainable, at some point in time we are going to have to stop making money the number one consideration and everything else last. Perhaps this would be a good place to start.