My Opinion: Gavin Wigg

I’m a conservative, and I support Constitutional Amendment A and Initiated Measure 26. I’m not a cliché “pot-head”; I’m a husband, father of three, and a business owner in Sioux Falls. In this divided America, conservatives are “expected” to vote against marijuana while liberals are “expected” to vote for it. I’m done playing the partisan games with this topic. 

Marijuana was classified as a Schedule 1 substance back in 1970 which put it in the same class as dangerous manufactured substances such as heroin and ecstasy. Even more surprising, according to the FDA and DEA, marijuana is more dangerous than cocaine, fentanyl, and even meth. Initiated Measure 26 puts an end to this ridiculous scheduling in South Dakota and allows medical use of marijuana. With a little research you can find thousands of medical stories where marijuana was successfully used for treatments and the reduction of pain, inflammation, and stress.

Amendment A further challenges the status-quo by allowing adult-use of marijuana. I have not used it in more than two decades, but I have an occasional alcoholic drink. It’s staggering how often I hear people say “I need a drink”, “it’s beer-o-clock”, and “let’s meet for a drink”. Unfortunately, the human need to relax and de-stress can lead a person down the path of alcohol abuse, overuse of prescription drugs, and abusing dangerous substances such as meth. Marijuana is natural and safe when used responsibly. Eleven states have passed adult-use laws similar to this proposed amendment, already.

It’s interesting that as I’ve spoken to other Republican / conservative friends about marijuana (and this is a large number!), not one person believes it’s dangerous to South Dakotans. The most common phrases I’ve heard are “I used to do it and it’s no big deal” and “It should be legalized”.  I agree.

A and 26 remove harsh criminal penalties, allow adults to responsibly use marijuana, provide legal access to medical marijuana, and allow local regulations to be passed.

I’m a conservative, and I will be voting yes on A and 26.

Gavin Wigg, Sioux Falls