In 2010, “medical marijuana” was legalized in Arizona. The vote was very close, 50.1 percent Yes and 49.9 percent No. That’s a margin of only about 4,000 votes out of 1.7 million.

In Arizona and elsewhere, the controversy over marijuana use continues. Scientific evidence favoring medical marijuana is limited to mild benefit for only a few of its legally-approved conditions. There are also demonstrable significant adverse “side-effects.” Many medical marijuana card-holders are young. In AZ, 63.5 percent of male and 53 percent of female card-holders are under age 50. At least 71 percent of card-holders take it for “chronic pain.” This isn’t the group that was promoted here, and elsewhere, as in need of the drug for chemotherapy-induced nausea or symptoms of advanced MS. Yet, that’s the typical situation in states which have legalized medical marijuana. The marketing wasn’t totally true, but it was effective.

A few states have recently legalized marijuana for “recreational” use. Voters in Ohio just voted by a significant margin against legalization. A petition effort is under way in Arizona to place the legalization of marijuana on the November 2016 ballot.

As with all important issues, it is critical that voters have factual information before they cast their votes. They must consider the legal, medical and social consequences of the question.

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, Fountain Hills AZ Tea Party welcomes Sheila Polk, Yavapai County Attorney and Co-Chair of Arizonans for Responsible Drug Policy. Sheila will lead a discussion and present the case opposing legalization of “recreational” marijuana.

All interested parties are invited to join us at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the FHUSD Learning Center (Palisades and Golden Eagle boulevards). Admission is free. Donations to cover expenses are gratefully accepted. Please join us and bring some friends. We hope to see you there! For info, visit www.fhteaparty.org.