William Bennett and Robert White: Legal Pot Is a Public Health Menace

The title from the WSJ, “Legal Pot is a Public Health Menace” is a bit captivating, yes?

The article discusses the harms of marijuana and the position that greater access will increase consumption. “Legality is the mother of availability, and availability … is the mother of use” it says.

I can’t help but agree with the authors. Yes, marijuana can lead to bad health outcomes and can be a public health “menace”. Also, yes, legalizing it will lead to greater use. 

But the article misses realities. We are surrounded by “public health menaces” with tobacco and alcohol being obviously high on the list. 

I’m for legalization but am firmly against consumption. At the end of the day it is about personal choice, just like alcohol and tobacco use.

One more quote:

“Since Colorado legalized recreational use earlier this year, two deaths in the state have already been linked to marijuana.”

Care to tell me how many people died from tobacco or alcohol in Colorado this year?