Posted on March 13, 2017
HARTFORD — Earlier last week State Representative Holly Cheeseman (R-37) joined opponents of H.B. 5314, a bill that would legalize the recreational use of marijuana among adults in Connecticut, in a press conference to discuss the issue. Nearly 60 experts, professionals and individuals from organizations such as AAA, CT Construction Industries Association, Guilford Day Youth Coalition, Yale School of Medicine, and the American Academy of Pediatrics joined the legislators to present their arguments as a united “StopPotCT” Coalition.
Rep. Cheeseman urged fellow legislators, as well as local businesses and communities, to speak up in their opposition to the legalization of recreational marijuana.
“To attempt to solve the state’s revenue problems in this way – one that risks justifying the health and well-being of our citizens – is unacceptable,” said Rep. Cheeseman, who also testified in person before the Public Health Committee against this bill. “I stand with the American Academy of Pediatrics, who continues to share the short- and long-term negative consequences of use in adolescents. A change in the legal status of marijuana, even if only among adults, increases the risk of use by adolescents by lessening the perception of harm. State government needs to cure its addiction to spending, not treat it by creating more addictions in our residents.”
The American Addiction Centers and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration notes that approximately 10-15% of the population is prone to addictive disorders and of these, about 4.2 million over the age of 11 battled a marijuana use disorder in 2014. Overall, marijuana abuse disorders accounted for the third highest number of treatment admissions (18%) to substance abuse programs in 2010.
Connecticut’s StopPotCT movement was formed in 2016 and gained momentum after legalization was successfully passed in the neighboring State of Massachusetts. Those against this bill emphasize the increased public safety issues, including impaired driving, that could follow legalization. Studies have shown that learning defects (impaired short-term memory and decreased concentration, attention span and problem solving skills) and physical consequences (decreased lung function, higher rates of mental health disorders such as depression and psychosis, and stunted brain development) are highly correlated with marijuana use or exposure to second-hand smoke.
The bill currently awaits further action within the Public Health committee before it can be voted on in the House and/or Senate.