In the legislative debate over the full legalization of marijuana, both sides believe it is essential to consider Connecticut’s children. Opponents of commercial farming and sales say that if Connecticut joins the states with full legalization, use of the substance by teens is sure to increase. Supporters of recreational use for residents 21 and older say that teenagers and young adults would be freed from the potential lifelong stigma of police records they now face when caught by law enforcement.
While the proposal faces an uphill battle, a core of urban legislators, with some unlikely support from some Republicans, is pushing the issue as sensible policy amid a failed war on drugs, and as a way as well as a way to generate revenue during Connecticut’s current fiscal crisis. Both sides cite research for their arguments over the long-term effects of full legalization and the relative ease by which teens might be able to get their hands on marijuana.
Robyn Sneider, prevention coordinator for the Guilford Developmental Assets for Youth program, warned state lawmakers last week that kids are at risk. She stated, “I am saying we’d be opening a floodgate, and just as alcohol is so much more prevalent, we would be doing to same thing with marijuana; and it is not healthy for our kids who are becoming our adults and leaders.”
However, Representative Robyn Porter, D-New Haven, who supports the legalization initiative, said it’s hard to stop children from what they want to do. Porter stated to Sneider, “I think if we legalize it and regulate it, then we are in charge of not only how they get it, but when they can get i. I have talked with high schoolers. It is easier for them to get this than alcohol, and you know why? Because alcohol is regulated.”
Representative Toni Walker, D-New Haven, another Judiciary Committee member who is also co-chairman of the Appropriations Committee and co-chairman of the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee, agreed. Walker said, “But by making it a criminal offense and keeping it as a criminal offense, it pushes more kids into a system that will not allow them to have another chance. That’s why I think it is important that as we talk about these things, we look at what are the best things we can do as parents to protect them from getting into circumstances that they’re not going to be able to get out of, but also guidance that helps them to understand.”
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