The topic of legalization of marijuana is mushrooming. Like it or not, as homeowners, voters, students, children, teachers, tourists, law abiding citizens, and human beings, state legalization of marijuana impacts everyone. It wasn’t long ago when I lived in the dark ages, the Age of Aquarius, when people didn’t have a choice; yet many rebelled choosing to smoke then and many continued to smoke marijuana despite the laws. Knowing it was against the law and had consequences, I never engaged in smoking marijuana or taking any illegal drugs nor have I ever smoked. The changes of legalization of Marijuana in some states has me concerned.
Here on ActiveRain, several bloggers and Agents have posted blogs about the legalization and the implications of marijuana in their states. As a Real Estate Agent, awareness to Buyers and Sellers is essential. I’m a resident of Texas. I realize now that whether or not marijuana will ever be legalized in Texas, staying abreast of currents affairs with up-to-date information is critical because these issues can’t be ignored. Just because it isn’t legal today, doesn’t mean things won't change in the future. Knowledge is power. Education is the tool to gain knowledge. I applaud Real Estate Agents such as Claude Labbe Marijuana in DC - Day One - 2015 02 26 and if memory serves me correctly, Debbie Laity of Colorado and Pat Kennedy from Washington D.C. for tackling these hard topics.
Dependency Issues
For as long as I was an adult, there have been many articles and books written about dependency issues concerning drugs and alcohol. Like it or not the issue of marijuana isn’t just, once upon a time, it is here to stay and our response to these issues are critical to learn for Home Owners, Real Estate agents, Property Managers, Landlords, Home Inspectors, and Lenders. These are current affairs that we all have to face. The economic, social, and family situations on the use of legalized use of marijuana is still largely unknown. One of my concerns is if it becomes legal for anyone over the age of 21 to grow and smoke marijuana in their homes, what happens to the children who are under 21 years old living in this type of environment? Also, what happens to the dependents 21 years and older still living at home or now caring for their elderly parents in their home? Children grow up and many move to out of state colleges and will be on their own. I've drawn the conclusion, that no child can be protected by their parents and/or guardians for ever. When it comes to shelter, home is essential. Is dependency here to stay and how will it impact health, home, safety, environmental issues, and learning abilities? There are sociological factors that have not been addressed to my satisfaction and the effect of legal sanctions and approaches are still vague in my mind. This change in culture has me unprepared and I’m not interested in hearing arguments about drug wars and the cartel. I believe in the principle of living in a safe environment.
Public Health
As a professional who represents buyers and sellers, what public health issues are lurking behind the corners or the shadows that are not known is deeply concerning to me. Are we now living in a Society were government controls our actions and makes decisions that we have to live with, like it or not? Do I need to be concerned if I eat a brownie the next time I'm traveling out of state? Beyond the children, drivers, the elderly, doctors, nurses, Real Estate Agents, home owners, suicide prevention centers, statistics, police, and treatment centers, and besides the argument that money and pleasure is big business, I can’t identify one good cause, and if it is for medicinal purposes, why not have safe havens outside the home for people that need it? Call me a stick in the mud, but I really think these are issues that need to be addressed, and again, I applaud those Real Estate Agents who are dealing with some tough issues here on ActiveRain in their home states.
These are my personal views and does not represent the views of all Real Estate Agents or their Brokers.
©Patricia Feager 3/2/2015
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