I'm not trying to say that the State of Michigan should encourage teens to smoke marijuana, but they could've made better use of this money by, literally, spending it on anything else.

Before we get too far, let me just say that I do not condone the use of marijuana among teenagers. However, I think how hard Michigan's government is fighting legalization, something the majority of voters want, is ridiculous. I know that sounds like two unrelated issues, but are they? Don't worry -- we'll get there.

Even if it is legalized, marijuana usage will always be off the table for kids. I think we can all agree that kids should not be getting high, even if that does make some of us who did get high as teens somewhat hypocritical. Given Michigan's real problems with real drugs -- opioids, crystal meth, heroin, prescription pills, etc. -- they could have made better use of this airtime. One could argue that they don't specify which drug Hailey is "taking a hit" of or "getting high" with, but it seems pretty obvious to me which one they're demonizing.

The commercial does offer a good overall message -- "Don't let drugs ruin your story." The way it is presented in this commercial -- hitting a joint will send your life into a vicious tailspin of bad grades, unemployment, theft, family problems, and arrests --- is overly dramatic at best, and flat out preposterous at worst. Yes, those things could happen, but let's be honest here -- those are crack consequences (crack-sequences?). Focusing on a different drug would've delivered a stronger message, like maybe the drugs that can kill them. Just a thought.

This commercial, which aired during last night's Nick Kids Choice Sports Awards, seems more like a smear campaign against marijuana than it does an "anti-drug" spot. Perhaps my knowledge of Rick Snyder's efforts to block the legalization vote, and those to turn law-abiding medical marijuana users into criminals has skewed my perspective. This could just be a generic, well-intentioned "don't do drugs" spot that rubs me the wrong way. Either way, I wish they would make better use of our tax dollars. The fact that Flint is still drinking water that isn't fit to fill a toilet bowl, while the state government is spending money trying to make your kid think weed is crack makes me seriously question their priorities.

Also, it reminded me of this.

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