Medical Marijuana 2016

Regarding proposed changes to medical marijuana law …

“The law of unintended consequences, often cited but rarely defined, is that actions of people -and especially of government – always have effects that are unanticipated or unintended.” (Library of Economics and Liberty) Every time you make a choice, it has unintended consequences.

I am old enough to remember when deer were introduced into Troup County, Georgia. (The county in which I reside). Sportsmen wanted it and people thought it would be good for Troup County and Georgia. There’s no doubt that the motives of the proponents were honorable. They meant no harm to anybody. However, the Law of Unintended Consequences kicked in. Since their introduction, deer have caused serious financial losses related to automobile crashes and crop damage. They have also been responsible for dozens of crash-related fatalities. All of which are unintended consequences regarding the decision to bring them here.

As I am writing this column, the Georgia Legislature has started its 2016 session. I have well-intentioned, good friends serving there. However, if I am honest, the time they are in session each year is always a most unsettling time for me. The thing that concerns me most, regarding any action they may or may not take, is the Law of Unintended Consequences.

People, whose cause I am very sympathetic toward, are beating the drum loudly for changing the Georgia Cannabis Oil Law (medical marijuana) that was passed last year. They want to broaden the list of medical conditions it can be used to treat and to change the restrictions governing the growing of the marijuana plant from which the oil is produced. My question is, if the law is broadened and changed this year, what’s to prevent the same thing from happening again next year, and the next, and the next, until there is no control? Also, people whose cause I am not sympathetic with are beating the drum loudly to broaden the law to include the growing and smoking of marijuana for “medical” purposes.

Here’s a fact for you to consider: Every state that currently allows “recreational” marijuana use – started with “medical” marijuana use. Oh, and by the way, growing, transporting, and using marijuana is still against federal law – and federal law trumps state law. (As Georgia learned concerning homosexual marriage!) It’s amazing to me that some of the same people who take issue with San Francisco becoming a “sanctuary city” by ignoring federal immigration laws and refusing to deport illegal immigrants, are touting that Georgia should ignore federal law regarding marijuana and cannabis oil. If you’re one of those people, I lovingly say to you, “You can’t have it both ways!”

My warning is this: While the cause of those seeking to change the Georgia Cannabis Oil Law (Note: Cannabis Oil! Not growing and smoking!) may be noble, and if I were in their shoes, I may be doing the same thing, the fact remains that it is a very slippery slope. And remember, “Every time you make a choice, it has unintended consequences.” Be very, very careful Georgia legislature and Governor Deal. There will be unintended consequences regarding whatever decision you make. Make sure you make the right decision. You have no room to get this one wrong!

I encourage you to join me in praying for our legislators and governor that God will give them wisdom regarding their decision.

Brother Aaron