Jim Maas

First, the good news. It looks like the majority of our population is finally getting a grip on the reality of the failed war-on-drugs disaster and is ready to move on. Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical cannabis, a natural, herbal remedy, and several more are working on legislation.

Furthermore, new evidence shows that cannabis can be a safe and effective alternative to pharmaceutical drugs, which can have dangerous or deadly consequences. The National Cancer Institute, the U.S. government's principal agency for cancer research, has reported that molecules found in cannabis kill breast and lung cancers in lab tests.

Two new studies claim that legalizing medical cannabis could be a lifesaver, especially for certain demographic groups. Suicide rates are down in states with legal medical cannabis. Traffic fatalities decrease between 8 percent and 11 percent in states where cannabis is legal. Highway fatalities in Colorado are said to be at near-historic lows since cannabis legalization.

To follow-up on the Gannett Wisconsin Media Investigative Team report on Wisconsin's drinking habits, how about looking at a study which found that total beer consumption dropped 5 percent after pot legalization?

Colorado found that violent crime has dropped 5.6 percent and property crime has gone down 11.4 percent. Meanwhile, $45.2 million was collected in taxes and fees from cannabis businesses to be used for vital state services.

But what about the children? Research published in the American Journal of Public Health and the Journal of Adolescent Health generally show no association between the new cannabis laws and teen use.

A statewide poll by the Marquette University Law School showed that roughly half of Wisconsin's registered voters support full legalization of the drug. Previous polls have shown 70 percent to 80 percent support for medical marijuana.

Now, the bad news.

The Daily Herald recently reported that the Marathon County Alcohol and Other Drug Partnership is "caution(ing) against marijuana legalization." Melissa Dotter, coordinator of the Drug Free Communities program, told the Herald that the community should be aware of the experiences of other states when the conversation comes up in Wisconsin. Great! (See above.)

The federal grant for the "Drug Free Community" program has expired but Marathon County is continuing the coordinator position at the Health Department. However, I can find no evidence that Marathon County is or intends to become a "drug-free" community. Perhaps the county might now want to choose a better name.

The AOD Partnership vision is: "Community attitudes and behaviors promote responsible and legal use of alcohol and other substances." (Emphasis added.) The County Health Department's mission statement states its goal will be "to advance a healthy Marathon County community by preventing disease, promoting health and protecting the public from environmental hazards."

Clearly there is growing evidence that cannabis can indeed be a healthy option for some people. Obviously there are inevitable changes coming to Wisconsin. The northern Wisconsin chapter of NORML is willing to work with AOD Partnership to help promote healthy lifestyles.

Three out of four of Wisconsin's neighboring states have accepted medical cannabis so far. It is now time for Wisconsin and Marathon County to catch up.

Jim Maas of Rothschild is the secretary of the Libertarian Party of Wisconsin.