Dear Friends,

File this under “Older but not wiser”. The UPI reports: “Marijuana use linked to impaired driving among seniors”. Maybe that explains some of the drivers in the Sun Cities. The article states: “seniors who were longterm marijuana smokers were weaving in and out of their lanes 30 minutes after getting high, Canadian researchers report.” No kidding.

Researchers found that "older adults may be particularly affected by cannabis, given age-related changes in cognition. Many seniors are also prescribed medications, and the combination of those meds with marijuana could also be problematic.” Ya think? Now I know why my car insurance increased so much when I moved into this zip code.

We already have a giant problem with teens using the high potency THC products causing many to have psychotic breaks or cannabis induced schizophrenia. It’s to the point that many in the medical community are begging states to regulate the amount of THC in cannabis products. ER visits for cannabis induced psychosis and poisoning continue to increase, including ER visits for cannabis involved issues quadrupling in children. Additionally, Veterinary Hospitals are treating increasing amounts of dogs and cats who ingest edible cannabis products and experience poisoning. And now we have seniors getting DUI’s for smoking weed and driving. In Arizona there is not legal limit, unlike with alcohol in the bloodstream to be considered cannabis intoxicated. With marijuana any amount constitutes the full offense.

But, but, the Dispensaries are bringing in lots of tax revenue, many are quick to defend the industry. However, that is not happening. And it is certainly not outweighing the harms done and the cost of medical care. And as we too often see, the black market for marijuana is outpacing the legal market. It’s tax-free on the black market. Which makes the operators of Dispensaries contort themselves into pretzels. After years of campaigning to decriminalize marijuana, and spending a small fortune to open a Dispensary, they are now wanting law-enforcement to arrest those street entrepreneurs who sell marijuana without a license! I find that exquisite. Law enforcement is quick to respond, “now that you were able to get marijuana decriminalized, we can’t arrest anybody for having weed or growing it. It’s legal now.” Talk about “Pot calls kettle black!”

This social experiment in legalized recreational marijuana has produced zero benefits to our society. It has not reduced crime; it has increased tax revenue; and has spawned an ever - growing black market. And it had caused great harm to many young people and their families. Yet many people still think it is “harmless”. The marijuana enthusiasts deny all this since it doesn’t fit their narrative, but the evidence is becoming irrefutable.

The researchers advise: "Older drivers should refrain from using cannabis when contemplating operation of a motor vehicle." Should be obvious but sadly today it’s not.

Love,

Fr. John B.

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