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Smoking and toking are not about joking

July 21, 2023

I am dismayed to see that the Eastern Shore beach communities are leaning toward banning recreational marijuana shops. I have enjoyed marijuana for more than 40 years along with almost everyone I know. Just like many of us like to get off work and enjoy a cocktail, wine or beer, millions enjoy a toke or edible marijuana to help relieve the stress of the day. For me, edible marijuana is an indispensable sleep aid, as I suffer from insomnia, and I find that microdosing a little marijuana in the evenings allows me to get the deep sleep I need to keep functioning. 

I have traveled to states that sell marijuana in shops, and it is such a relief to not have to go through illegal markets to purchase it, as the illegal aspect of marijuana is the most dangerous aspect about the herb. Apparently those who have never tried it and don't want to are determined to keep those of us who do enjoy it traveling to other communities and/or finding marijuana from illegal sources. Why? We are all already enjoying marijuana. Selling it in shops is not going to change this, but our community will benefit from the added revenue and from a more mellow vibe overall than what the bar scene provides. If I had to choose to live in a community that either bans alcohol or marijuana, I would choose the one banning alcohol, as it causes serious health and societal problems. I have lost many loved ones to alcohol over the years. I have not lost one person from marijuana use. And really, even the restaurants would benefit, as marijuana enhances our appetites and enjoyment of food overall, so having easy access to marijuana will entice us all out to enjoy more of our wonderful restaurants and food services.

I have long said that the people against recreational marijuana use have one of these two reasons. 1. They have not tried it. 2. They profit off of it being illegal. I will accept that Rehoboth Mayor Stan Mills is in the first category, as he says he is not a smoker or toker. I hope he comes to realize that it is best for all of our safety to allow legal recreational sales of marijuana here so that no one has to source it from illegal means. 

No joking.

Angela Flynn
Lewes

 

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