Marijuana – Page 31 – Family Council

State Agency Proposes New Rules for Marijuana Dispensary Relocations

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette recently reported the state is considering new rules for marijuana dispensary relocations.

A proposal from the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division would require more community notice and public input before a medical marijuana dispensary changes its location.

The proposal reportedly comes after controversy surrounding Speakeasy Dispensary’s move from Pine Bluff to Prairie County, which sparked backlash from lawmakers and residents.

Under the new rules, the Medical Marijuana Commission would need to notify county and city officials, seek input from local leaders and residents, and consider the impact the move might have on nearby churches, schools, traffic, and overall neighborhood character.

Local people ought to be able to keep marijuana out of their communities. That was one of the problems with marijuana amendment Issue 3 that was disqualified from the ballot last month: The amendment made more than 30 changes to the Arkansas Constitution concerning marijuana, and it prohibited the Arkansas Legislature, cities, or counties from passing any measures — including zoning and taxes — to regulate marijuana use. That’s a serious concern.

Despite what many people believe about marijuana use, a growing body of research shows marijuana is harmful.

For example, a study published in JAMA Otolaryngology found daily marijuana use is linked to a higher risk of head and neck cancers.

A large study published in February found marijuana use is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular problems . Another study published last year found heavy users faced about 60% higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular problems.

And contrary to popular belief, legalization of marijuana has actually emboldened drug cartels and fueled the black market.

News outlets report Chinese organized crime is dominating black market marijuana in states where marijuana is legal.

In September law enforcement in California seized more than 36,000 illegal marijuana plants in a single drug bust.

And state troopers in Arkansas routinely intercept black market marijuana that was grown in states like Oklahoma or California.

As marijuana use increases in America, people need to understand: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

Marijuana Use Among Americans Has More Than Doubled Since 2013: Gallup

Nov 11, 2024Jerry CoxMarijuanaMarijuana

Gallup reports the percentage adults in the U.S. who say they smoke marijuana has more than doubled since 2013.

Gallup has tracked marijuana use for more than a decade. The latest data released this month shows:

Marijuana use has risen from 7% of U.S. adults in 2013 to 15% in 2024.
Men are more likely than women to say they smoke marijuana.
Democrats (23%) are more than twice as likely as Republicans (10%) to report using marijuana.
Regionally, the highest rates of marijuana usage are in the West (19%), Midwest (16%) and East (16%). Marijuana use is lower in the South, where 11% report using it.

The increase in marijuana use is troubling, given how research continues to show that marijuana is both addictive and harmful.

A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology found daily marijuana use is linked to a higher risk of head and neck cancers.

Marijuana can damage adolescent brains — resulting in permanent loss in IQ, difficulty thinking and problem-solving, reduced coordination, and increased risk of psychosis.

The list goes on.

As marijuana use increases in America, people need to understand: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

Black Market Marijuana Still a Problem in California Despite Legalization

Nov 7, 2024Jerry CoxMarijuanaMarijuana

Black market marijuana continues to plague California despite legalization.

California’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force has seized more than $191 million worth of illicit marijuana across the state this year. Recent news reports show authorities have raided 31 illegal grow sites in one county alone.

In September law enforcement in California seized more than 36,000 illegal marijuana plants in a single drug bust.

Contrary to popular belief, legalization of marijuana has actually emboldened drug cartels and fueled the black market.

News outlets report Chinese organized crime is dominating black market marijuana in states where marijuana is legal.

CNN writes that “illegal pot production . . . provides a glimpse of a hidden world – one that mirrors a trend playing out not only in California, but in states such as Oklahoma, Oregon, New Mexico and Maine: groups of people with apparent ties to foreign countries – most notably China – producing weed in colossal volumes.”

Earlier this summer, NPR reported how immigrants from China were illegally crossing America’s southern border, saying that “many [of these immigrants] are taking jobs at hundreds of cannabis farms springing up across the U.S.”

A CBS News segment last year highlighted how Chinese investment is driving illegal marijuana production across the U.S.

CBN reported last year that Chinese investors with “suitcases full of cash” are buying U.S. farmland to grow black market marijuana.

Other correspondents have reported how these illegal marijuana operations contribute to “modern day slavery on American soil.”

Illegal marijuana produced in states like California and Oklahoma appears to be making its way into states like Arkansas.

All of this simply underscores what we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.