Governor Brewer Announces Opposition to Prop 203 - Medical Marijuana Initiative
October 20, 2010Today, I joined with the County Sheriffs and County Attorneys from every single county in Arizona in opposition to Proposition 203, the so-called "Medical Marijuana" initiative.
This initiative will require Arizona to establish a costly new regulatory scheme and user tracking system at a time when we are challenged to meet the basic and legitimate needs of Arizona citizens.
We simply cannot afford to serve as an experiment by outside interests to ultimately seek the legalization of drugs. Arizona taxpayers cannot—and should not-- bear the cost of creating an environment in which the use and availability of marijuana will needlessly and harmfully proliferate.
In the other states that have passed similar measures, only 2-3% of marijuana patients have serious illnesses and almost all marijuana recommendations come from a few doctors who, for say $150, will prescribe pot to nearly anyone.
Most marijuana cardholders are under 40 and a large percentage are teenagers.
I will tell you “compassion” quickly will turn to “capitalism.” I am fearful of the additional societal costs which we will incur if voters were to pass this proposition. Don't be bullied into believing this is about “compassion” for sick people.
This is also a Neighborhood safety issue ---Prop 203 allows for dispensaries and an unlimited number of indoor grow houses that will be crime magnets and blight on our communities and neighborhoods.
Let’s not be misled by the smokescreen – Prop 203 will impact our personal safety and security. So today, I urge all Arizonans to vote NO on Prop 203.
