The Marijuana Policy Project, an organization dedicated to the reform of pot laws, thinks it has the answer to California's deep budget crisis: legalize marijuana and tax it. To spread this message, the organization created a 30 second TV spot that will begin airing Wednesday, July 8.
The commercial features a real-life "marijuana consumer." She's no burned-out hippie or strung-out loser, but instead a normal-looking middle-aged woman.
“Instead of being treated like criminals for using a substance safer than alcohol, we want to pay our fair share [of taxes],” she says.
Taxes from pot will pay for 20,000 teachers in California, the woman adds.
Showing this "marijuana consumer" is an effective tactic for the Marijuana Policy Project—and one that parents and D.A.R.E. programs everywhere should co-opt.
Want teenagers to stay away from drugs? Show them this video. Say to a teen boy or girl: “Take one puff and this is what you will become: a middle-aged woman with a family, who goes on TV to ask the government to let her pay more taxes."
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Comments (9)
"Want teenagers to stay away from drugs? Show them this video. Say to a teen boy or girl: 'Take one puff and this is what you will become: a middle-aged woman with a family, who goes on TV to ask the government to let her pay more taxes.'"
This made me laugh! Thank you for the afternoon pick-me-up! :)
Posted by Jessica | July 20, 2009 5:03 PM
Posted on July 20, 2009 17:03
I can't view the video.
It says:
This is a private video. If you have been sent this video, please make sure you accept the sender's friend request.
Posted by Greg | July 11, 2009 9:28 AM
Posted on July 11, 2009 09:28
OHMIGOD!! Does this mean that someday I'll get old, ugly and fat if I puff some marijuana?? I was guaranteed that would never happen to me! Oh right! If I stay away from drugs I'll stay slim, 20, and perfect forever.
Hey, does this warning include the Zantac for stomach ulcers from anxiety and the Xanax to help my depression because of the unrealistic expectations marketed to me all day long??
Of course not - it's only for the stuff someone could actually grow for themselves - stealing market share...
I know this is a marketing website, but do you ever wonder if we are helping make the Emperor's new clothes?
Posted by LM66 | July 11, 2009 8:51 AM
Posted on July 11, 2009 08:51
OHMIGOD!! Does this mean that someday I'll get old, ugly and fat if I puff some marijuana?? I was guaranteed that would never happen to me! Oh right! If I stay away from drugs I'll stay slim, 20, and perfect forever.
Hey, does this warning include the Zantac for stomach ulcers from anxiety and the Xanax to help my depression because of the unrealistic expectations marketed to me all day long??
Of course not - it's only for the stuff someone could actually grow for themselves - stealing market share...
I know this is a marketing website, but do you ever wonder if we are helping make the Emperor's new clothes?
Posted by LM66 | July 11, 2009 8:51 AM
Posted on July 11, 2009 08:51
So are only plastic-enhanced, flashy stacked 20-something blondes allowed to state an opinion in commercials?
Shame on you commentors!
In case you didn't know, the US is ranked 14th in scientific literacy and 18th in math skills, but number 1 for percentage of population in jail. A fair chunk of that jail population is there because of draconian drug policies supported by the private prison industry and drug cartels who know how to keep their profits up.
This won't fly with the lowest common denominator (coffee shop grouches) but it might go over with people who think better than you suspect.
I also recall a number of Raganites didn't think Kellogg's would be hurt by dumping Michael Phelps.
Posted by MaryanneJ | July 10, 2009 9:51 AM
Posted on July 10, 2009 09:51
Did I see that woman in Tootsie?
This is pathetic and should be stricken from the airways.
With our "new" government, commercials like this might pop up across the country.
Where is the America in which I grew up????
Posted by Katz | July 8, 2009 3:39 PM
Posted on July 8, 2009 15:39
"Showing this 'marijuana consumer' is an effective tactic for the Marijuana Policy Project—and one that parents and D.A.R.E. programs everywhere should co-opt."
Really?? Looks like just another desperation tactic from a lobby that knows them well. I don't see this working, and Lord help us if it does. Hopefully your tongue is firmly planted in cheek and I just missed it.
Posted by Joe | July 8, 2009 2:25 PM
Posted on July 8, 2009 14:25
Scared Straight, the millennial version!
Posted by elizabeth | July 8, 2009 1:50 PM
Posted on July 8, 2009 13:50
Looks like she's had more than her share of the munchies!
Posted by D L M | July 8, 2009 12:06 PM
Posted on July 8, 2009 12:06