Saturday will mark what we believe to be the first “Legalization Rally” to discuss the future of marijuana use in Indiana. While the topic continues to be controversial, we suggest doing some research and showing up with an informed stance.

The rally is Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Greene County Courthouse and hosted by the Higher Fellowship. In a previous story in the Greene County Daily World, Bobbie Young, executive director of The Higher Fellowship, said the goal of the rally is to raise awareness.

The rally will also offer patrons a chance to voice their opinion on a PA system during an open forum portion of the event.

Many people are either for or against such a topic, but we ask that those in attendance do their research and have a better understanding of the other’s perspective. Young said some people may be afraid to attend a public rally, but we believe this could serve as an interesting forum to discuss the topic of marijuana.

Why is it important to start the conversation? One day the public may see the question on the ballot and should be able to make an informed decision.

Several states have already approved the legal use of marijuana — some for medical reasons and others for recreational use — and a bill is sitting in the Indiana General Assembly to discuss the topic.

District 4 Sen. Karen Tallian authored Senate Bill 209 to legalize medical marijuana in January, and according to the General Assembly’s website, www.iga.in.gov, no action has been taken on the bill since its first reading early in the year, aside from forwarding it to the Committee Health and Provider Services.

So, let’s start with the arguments against.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) explains marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance.

In the 2015 DEA Resource Guide (available at www.dea.gov), “Drugs of Abuse,” describes marijuana and cannabis as a “mind-altering pschoactive drug” with THC believed to be the “main ingredient that produces psychoactive effect.”

Based on clinical studies, the guide states, use of marijuana can lead to dizziness, nausea, tachycardia, merriment, relaxation, disinhibition, heightened imagination, impaired judgment, sedation, blood shot eyes, increased heart rate, coughing, increased appetite and decreased blood pressure, just to name a few.

There are some scary words in there: Disinhibition and impairment.

Of course, alcohol causes impairment too, right? What sets these apart is there is currently a field test to check for alcohol with the Breathalyzer, making it easier for police to detect and act on the issue. But some companies are working to develop a similar portable tool to test for THC.

In addition, the guide states “Researchers have also found an association between marijuana use and an increased risk of depression, an increased risk and earlier onset of schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders, especially for teens that have a genetic predisposition.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved medical marijuana use.

The FDA’s website, www.fda.gov, states, in part, “The FDA has not approved any product containing or derived from botanical marijuana for any indication. This means that the FDA has not found any such product to be safe or effective for the treatment of any disease or condition. Study of marijuana in clinical trial settings is needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of marijuana for medical use. The FDA will continue to facilitate the work of companies interested in appropriately bringing safe, effective, and quality products to market, including scientifically-based research concerning the medicinal uses of marijuana.”

On the flip side, some states that have legalized marijuana in some form are seeing some success, especially in the sense of tax revenue.

According to www.taxfoundation.org, Colorado has a 15 percent tax on wholesale marijuana price, plus an additional 10 percent state tax. There are also business license fees included.

After voter approval in Colorado in January 2014, the state has seen continued increase in revenue generated from the taxes. In 2015, the tax revenue had grown to $113 million.

An article published by the Denver Post in May showcased where the money is being used. For example, the town of Aurora has used its $1.5 million in revenue to help with its homeless issue, working on road improvements and creating a new recreation center, with Adams County utilizing funds for $500,000 in scholarships. These are just a few examples.

In the state of Washington, taxes include a 37 percent excise tax, as well as State, Business and Occupation taxes.

In Oregon, there is a 25 percent excise tax, with local government able to add another 2 percent tax.

Aside from the potential revenue possibilities, a big push for legalization has focused on its reported medical use.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse details the reported there is scientific study that shows chemicals in marijuana have led to FDA-approved medications that include cannabinoid (CBD) chemicals.

The website, www.drugabuse.gov, says studies show CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation, control epileptic seizures and possibly treat mental illness or additions.

“For instance, recent animal studies have shown that marijuana extracts may help kill certain cancer cells and reduce the size of others. Evidence from one cell culture study suggests that purified extracts from whole-plant marijuana can slow the growth of cancer cells from one of the most serious types of brain tumors. Research in mice showed that treatment with purified extracts of THC and CBD, when used with radiation, increased the cancer-killing effects of the radiation,” the website says.

So, whether you are in favor or not, take a few minutes to hear people’s stories and educate yourself.