Medical marijuana effort a big hoax

Despite several defeats, state Rep. Lou Lang continues to pull every ploy possible to perpetrate a hoax on the citizens of Illinois by trying to pass SB 1381, which would legalize medical marijuana. Don’t we have enough problems in Illinois? Shouldn’t our elected officials be spending their valuable time trying to solve Illinois’ financial mess?

If you care about our state, and especially our youth, I encourage you to contact your elected officials and tell them to stop this charlatanism. If this bill passes, Illinois will repeat the mistakes of other states such as California and Colorado where the use of marijuana has exploded and is now causing dire consequences for the youth of those states.

I speak from the viewpoint of one who spent 23 years in Illinois as a high school principal or school superintendent. Sadly, I was present over 100 times at school board expulsion hearings because a student was apprehended while possessing, attempting to transfer or being under the influence of marijuana on school grounds. To sit with emotional parents while the school board members deliberated on whether the guilty student should be expelled is among the most difficult situations I ever faced. In every case, the student’s behavior, attendance and grades had deteriorated once the use of marijuana began.

Can any reasonable person believe that legalizing medical marijuana would not make the situation worse? Citizens of Illinois, our youth tell us that marijuana is already easier to obtain that cigarettes or alcohol. As is happening in other states, those approved for medical marijuana conveniently are starting their own little businesses. Who are their most likely customers? You guessed it, our youth.

Tell your elected official. Say no to SB 1381.

Gary M. Fields

Wadsworth

Senior consultant/president

Student Assistance Partnership Inc.