CAMERON: Lost in smoke

Steve Cameron’s OPINION on 12/28/18 attempts to justify Idahoans legalizing marijuana. Steve, you’re way off thinking that the “Mormon” population in our state and its “political influence” is the reason that Idaho “isolates” itself from this legalization. Well, “to be blunt” (in your words), many of us firmly oppose the legalization and I’m not Mormon. Legalization will not improve our quality of life, in fact it will do the opposite.

I personally don’t care to see pot shops on every corner, smell pot being smoked and see the destruction it can lead to in some people’s lives. And by the way, the rationalization of the additional tax money it brings to the state is a farce. Money is not everything! Let that money go to our sister states when you cross the border. Better yet, to those who it’s so important to, relocate yourself to one of those states.

I am in real estate and it is common to hear from buyers looking to relocate here how they desire a better way of life; how their state is “going to pot.” In fact just last weekend, an Oregonian looking at homes here stated, unprovoked, “if there is anything you do in Idaho, DON’T legalize marijuana.” In his view, it has destroyed Oregon. I’ve seen the same in Colorado.

I am so disappointed that the CDA Press chooses to give daily above fold space on the Local section for one person to express an opinion like this, basically proposing that Idahoans take it upon themselves to legalize pot. And by the way, there is no comparison to the Medicaid issue or firearms. How naive!

KATHY EDLUND

Coeur d’Alene