In reggae music, cannabis is often referred to as "the healing of the nation." People always seek altered states of consciousness; that is a fact. Marijuana provides an avenue for this that brings with it the absolute least amount of harm. Marijuana does not kill, and its use does not incite people to acts of senseless violence. 

I absolutely cry for the bush communities when I heard arguments like "why should we add to our troubles" re: having retail marijuana there. I literally weep for the failure of vision. 

I honestly believe life in rural Alaska is, at best, daunting. I firmly believe that the healing, safe herb is exactly what is needed to pry Alaskan's fingers off the bottle. We have got to get the idea out of our heads that prohibition is possible or effective; it is neither. Where there is a will, there is always a way. You cannot win on the supply side, only the demand side. 

If rural Alaska embraces cannabis, it will result in a drop in violent crime & suicide.