THE PRIMARY is coming September 10th and with it more social media ads, more postcards in our mailboxes and more confusion. Have you ever stopped to wonder where the money for all of this advertising comes from? Why are these groups so concerned about local elections and spending so much on them?
Big marijuana is playing a very real behind-the-scenes role in the upcoming elections. New Hampshire has been pushing back against the encroachment of recreational legalization of marijuana for years. States that jumped on the bandwagon early are paying the price. Contrary to the false promises, marijuana does not fund beautiful new schools with the best qualified teachers and staff.
We want to thank Celeste Clark for this Contribution. Submit yours to steve@granitegrok.com
In fact, it brings a stink into states, permeates cities and towns, and cultivates a whole host of mental health challenges.
Marijuana is big business and the industry is unhappy about not conquering the Granite State. That is where politics come into play. Pro-marijuana groups are investing a lot of money to get people out of office who have bravely stood against legal marijuana last session.
These special interest groups are funding the postcards that are landing in your mailbox, the ads that are popping up on your social media, television advertisements and super-sized flashy campaign signs. Pay attention to who they are paid for by.
These well-funded organizations are aligned with pro marijuana groups who want into New Hampshire to reap a return on their investments in the drug.
Ask your candidates about their position on marijuana legalization. Do they know these facts:
- New Hampshire passed a therapeutic cannabis program in 2013, which has a growing list of qualifying medical conditions for anyone who wants access to this therapy, which is important to note is not medicine and not approved by the FDA. Therapeutic cannabis is easy to access as there are several marijuana dispensaries located throughout the state.
- New Hampshire decriminalized marijuana in 2017, which means no one is going to jail for a personal amount of marijuana. If a person over the age of 21 is questioned by police they will get a violation, just like a speeding ticket for $100, and it does not go on their record.
- Does your candidates know that in 2023, 17% of students here reported vaping marijuana. Or, if they know that the vape oil contains 70- 80% high potency THC, the active ingredient that gets you high and is responsible for serious health conditions.
- This is not the same marijuana many adults grew up around that had 5% THC potency in the 1970s and ’80s. Today’s high-potency THC is a big deal and is leading to psychosis, where its users lose touch with reality.
Make no mistake, legalizing marijuana will affect all Granite Staters, not just those who imbibe. What’s more important? The rights of a majority of citizens who want nothing to do with marijuana products or an industry hoping to profit on the backs of vulnerable families, youth, and children?
Ask candidates if they are willing to stand up for those of use who do not want a marijuana cloud hanging over our state.
Don’t sit back and think the September primary election isn’t important. Think about what is important to you and make sure who you elect is willing to stand up to the highly paid special interest groups who care only about profit and not the citizens of New Hampshire.
Your vote matters. Make sure they know this is an issue that is important to you. When we increase people’s knowledge and spread awareness about the dangers of high-potency marijuana and the many forms it comes in, we make a difference and help to keep our youth and communities safe.
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Celeste Clark is executive director of Raymond Coalition For Youth. She lives in Raymond.
