Join us at noon Wednesday for a live chat on the marijuana initiative, I-502

Posted by Joni Balter

Former U.S. Attorney
John McKay

Derek Franklin
Washington Association of
Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention

Still undecided about Initiative 502, the marijuana legalization, regulation and taxation measure on the November ballot?

Join us today, Wednesday, at noon for a live chat on the initiative and its impacts. What happens to law enforcement in our state if the measure passes, how do thing change? What about young people? Does a yes vote on I-502 make young people more or less likely to think it’s OK to smoke pot? Is it a gateway drug? How have our laws worked until now?

Participating in Wednesday’s live chat and discussion on the ballot measure is John McKay who joined the faculty of Seattle University Law School after he resigned along with eight other United States Attorneys in 2007. He teaches and lectures nationally on terrorism, ethics and leadership. A graduate of the University of Washington, he earned his J.D. at Creighton University. He is an original sponsor and supporter of I-502.

Also with us Wednesday at noon, and taking questions from readers, will be Derek Franklin president of the Washington Association for Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention. He has worked in the mental health and substance abuse fields for over 20 years as a child and family therapist, chemical dependency treatment provider and prevention professional. He is opposed to I-502.

Moderators will be Times reporter Jonathan Martin, who is covering the marijuana initiative, and myself. Please join us for a lively discussion. Feel free to send questions in advance to jmartin@seattletimes.com or jbalter@seattletimes.com

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Comments | More in homepage, Live chats, Marijuana initiative, Politics Northwest | Topics: derek franklin, I-502, John McKay

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Politics Northwest is the go-to blog for politics in our region. The blog explores national, state and local political news and issues. Reporters from Washington, D.C., to Seattle City Hall to the state capital in Olympia contribute. Editors are Richard Wagoner and Beth Kaiman.

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