Take Action: "Marijuana" on Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, make marijuana part of the conversation.  

The 2012 election is less than a year away, so it's time to step up the effort to build support for the Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Initiative. We will soon be launching a huge campaign to educate Colorado voters about marijuana and the benefits of ending its prohibition, but in the meantime, we want you to start the education process on your own. It is much easier than you think!

Without a doubt, the most effective way to build support for marijuana reform is to talk about it with those you know best.  Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for socializing with family and friends, making it an ideal opportunity to begin the conversation.  We encourage you to use this week to begin speaking about the issue with those closest to you, ensuring they are informed, and explaining why you support ending marijuana prohibition.  CLICK HERE for some useful talking points and tips for raising the subject.

More specifically, we are hoping you will talk about marijuana itself and help other people understand it is not as bad as they might think it is.  This doesn't mean you need to begin a debate at the dinner table or even campaign for the specific initiative.  Just keep an eye and ear out for opportunities to discuss the issue.  For example:

• If the issue comes up while others are enjoying a beer or some other alcoholic beverage, simply note that marijuana is actually far less harmful than alcohol.  It is less toxic, less addictive, and less likely to be associated with violent behavior.

• Talk about someone you know who benefits from medical marijuana, and how it is a far safer option than many prescription drugs, such as painkillers.  If a family member mentions a health problem for which marijuana is considered an effective treatment, ask them if they've ever thought about trying medical marijuana.

• If you're comfortable doing so, come out and say that you use(d) marijuana.  Explain how your experiences have not reflected the propoganda and stereotypes, and that you know first-hand it is safer than alcohol.

CLICK HERE for more ideas, as well as talking points and responses to common arguments.

Be sure to listen and try to avoid an argument.  The goal here is not to make the person feel "wrong" or "stupid," which might galvanize their current opinion.  Just make them aware of your feelings on the subject so that they will take them into consideration as they hear about the subject more and more leading up to the election.  It's these types of personal conversations that will build and strengthen support for the initiative and weaken our opposition.  And if we have them frequently over the course of the next 11 months, many more voters will feel comfortable with the question when they see it on the ballot. 

If any friends or relatives seemed to come around after the conversation, please share those experiences!  These types of success stories will inspire others to take similar action and give them an idea of how best to go about it.  We also want to hear these stories so please share them with us, too, by e-mailing them to info@regulate marijuana.org.