By Pamela Sweetwood

I carry around a list of movies to watch.   It is not uncommon for me to rent something and know little about it.   One such case was a documentary called The Union.   From the title i thought it would be about labor.    Instead it was about the underground Canadian drug business, referred to as the union.

I did not associate our neighboring country with drugs.   We don’t seem too concerned about our northern border.   The documentary presented facts from various angles about drug policy.   It was fascinating how it looked at marijuana from a historical, economic, political, medical, and enforcement lens.   It addressed arguments such as it being a gateway drug.   Although it was set in Canada, it very much applies to us.   It identified the parties benefiting from our drug policies.  I learned a phenomenal amount in short of 2 hours.

Medical marijuana is recent to Illinois.   Expanding or even decriminalizing pot undoubtedly would help our economy but more importantly it gives up a pointless fight.  If you are fair, you have to conclude marijuana doesn’t belong with cocaine, heroin, and other drugs.   A derivative of marijuana has had a dramatic effect at reducing seizures.   Cancer patients find relief.

An expert panel reviewed medical evidence, listened to testimony and recommended 8 conditions be added to the approved list for medical marijuana in Illinois.  The governor did not approve it.   The recommendation included post- traumatic stress disorder affecting our veterans and those suffering personal tragedies.   We often treat Veterans poorly, the least we can do is provide relief.

This documentary reminded me of a film I saw in health class about 35 years ago.   It compared alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana.    It was clear marijuana was the least harmful.     Drinking and smoking back in the 70s and now is legal and much more socially acceptable.

You have to choose your fights.   This isn’t one of them.   Instead we could redirect our enforcement to more serious threats and allow regulated use to those who can benefit.      Our policies need to be reasonable.    I understand many will disagree.    I hope those who do will at least learn more.   The documentary was The Union:  The Business Behind Getting High from 2007.     There are numerous recent news reports illustrating specific medical benefits.

Pamela Sweetwood was an ISU student, like many, who never left town. She works in higher education and has a history with many community non-profits organizations.

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