Letter to the editor: Opposed to Pa. marijuana expansion

The article “Proposed bill would give Pa. doctors more leeway in prescribing medical marijuana” (March 5, TribLIVE) explains a bill that would loosen the state’s medical marijuana regulations. Opposition to marijuana expansion is needed in the state Senate and House. Legislation co-sponsored by state Sens. Jim Brewster, D-McKeesport, and Mike Regan, R-York, will weaken standards on these drugs, opening up more opportunities for expanded use.

I expect a decrease in parents helping their children with homework and taking interest in their family’s needs if marijuana use increases and government promotion of it is put in place. Studies show lower levels of commitment to work and an increase in absenteeism with marijuana use.

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget request asks for free lunches for Pennsylvania public school students, eliminating income level requirements. This will increase Pennsylvania taxpayers’ costs, draining dollars needed to put food on their own tables. I’m sure taxpayers will be called on to give more dollars if marijuana is purchased by families instead of needed food.

Several legislators are proposing that recreational marijuana be sold at state liquor facilities. Marijuana users could stock up on alcohol, too, adding another threat to our safety on the roads. In 2015 in Shaler, a young girl lost her life to a driver who drank alcohol and smoked marijuana before killing her.

Government, discourage drug use! Defeat marijuana expansion!

Regina Liermann

Kiski Township