On Saturday, May 11, marijuana advocates will once again host their “Boise Hempfest” in Julia Davis Park. This annual event, which is marketed as “family friendly,” glorifies illegal drug use and the drug culture that accompanies it.

As community leaders, we condemn this event, as well as all efforts to legalize marijuana. While many paint marijuana usage as harmless and fun, scientific and empirical data demonstrates otherwise.

States that tread down the road of marijuana legalization experience numerous social problems, including family disintegration, public health crises, and a substantial increase in violent crimes.

For example, Colorado experienced a staggering 36.5% spike in its violent crime rate after legalization, while traffic fatalities related to marijuana use increased by 135%.

These outcomes are not surprising, especially given that marijuana use is linked to increased rates of schizophrenia, psychosis, suicidality, addiction, and substance use disorder.

Put simply, marijuana harms not only individual users, but also society as a whole. For this reason, we must stand together to protect the sobriety, health, safety, and welfare of the general populace.

Idahoans must learn the lessons from neighboring Washington, Oregon, and California.

Let’s preserve the Idaho way, reject drug culture, and champion a thriving future for our families and communities.