An Open Letter to Governor Lynch:

The following was sent to the office of the Governor May, 2009,

Hello. My name is Robert Arnold, and I’ve been a resident of Portsmouth New Hampshire for the last 23 years of my life. Since I’ve been able to vote, I have voted for you. I’ve met you a couple of times. Once at Portsmouth High School in 2004, and once just a bout a year ago at a function in support for President Obama. I’ll get straight to the point. I’m writing this to implore your consideration for the legalization of Medical Marijuana.

In a state that boasts itself as the “Live Free or Die” state, it seems odd to me that this bill failed in 2007. The battle has raged since 1937, but your honor, the fact remains that it is now 2009. Almost any study you look at from any top University, including our own Dartmouth, you will find that the pros of the cannabis plant clearly out-weigh the cons. Not only is Marijuana helpful with the extreme pain of glaucoma, and the detriment of anxiety, but also it’s been proven effective in dealing with simple muscle spasms, Multiple Sclerosis, high blood pressure, asthma, and so many others; shall I go on?

Mr. Lynch, you strike me as an intelligent man, so let’s get real for a moment. It’s no secret that the smear campaign against marijuana in the 30’s was mainly due to William Randolph Hearst’s timber interests being endangered by the eco-friendly, and far more economical Hemp. Bottom line, Hemp is better for all of us, it’s cheaper, burns cleaner, and makes a better quality paper. It just goes to show you what one man with a little bit of power can do. Add in the American’s fear of Mexican Immigrants introducing Marijuana’s recreational use, and it didn’t stand a chance. In the last 60 years, we have trumped almost all myths set forth by Hearst’s and our own Government’s propaganda.

I know that you’ve seen a lot in your years. With all of the downright evil man made drugs floating around, why are we still waging a war on Marijuana? Historically it’s a peaceful plant. It grows naturally. You’ve never heard of a “Pot Overdose” have you? If you have, please get back to me. It doesn’t kill your liver like liquor and most pharmaceutical drugs (which incidentally enough are the two biggest lobbies in Washington). Sure it kills a few brain cells, but no more than the two aforementioned lobbies, and yes it effects your short-term memory, but nothing some extra gingko won’t fix. Hmmm, a natural plant from the earth with no real detrimental side effects, or a man made liquid that killed more Americans last year than the AIDS virus? The comparison speaks for itself, doesn’t it?

I feel so strongly about this for a few different reasons. First and foremost is my Father, Robert C. Arnold III. He was a Vietnam vet who passed a few years ago. Suffering from Gout, Diabetes, PTSD, and a life-altering brain injury was hard enough to watch. It was even harder watching him swallow pill after pill after pill, with no result. And then he began to drown himself in the liquor that ultimately killed him, and having to watch all of this killed a little piece of me as well. Later I was told by a health professional that he would have been a perfect candidate for Marijuana treatment, and it ultimately would have extended his life. I think about that every day. I miss him more than you could ever know.

Second, I suffer from Anxiety and Depression. I hate saying that. “Suffer.” It makes me feel week in a way. It’s something that I use the Cannabis plant to control now after years of trying to find the right medication. Sometimes there isn’t a right medication. Sometimes bodies reject them. If it weren’t for Marijuana, I would be stuck in my own mind, fearful of even leaving the house. Depression and anxiety have ruled my life for as long as I can remember, at least until I found Cannabis. I’ve tried to kill myself three times all three failed attempts (obviously.) I have countless scars on my body, all self-inflicted. Some psychiatrists think I too suffer from PTSD. I don’t know if that’s true, but I do know I can control it, and I got zero help from any pharmaceutical.

Third is the economy. Legalization and taxation of medical marijuana will do more for this state’s budget than any stimulus the White House can give us. Maybe we could use some of that money and put it back in our roads, and in our schools, maybe even affordable housing for our seniors. The possibilities are endless. Studies have shown a budget deficit in the next three years to reach up to $495 million. Let’s nip it in the bud now, and maybe go into 2012 with a surplus.

Mr. Lynch, I just ask that you remember us, the voters who gave you this job. It is my belief that you deserve it, otherwise I would never have voted for you in the first place. I think you’ve done right by New Hampshire, for the most part, in the last almost decade. 71% of New Hampshire voters back this Bill. My Rep. Martha Fuller Clark supports it. Rep. Paul McEachern supports the bill, along with countless others. You vowed to serve your constituents, I’m asking you, please, when that bill reaches your desk, think twice before shrugging it off.

Peace, Love, and God bless you sir,

Respectfully,



Robert C, Arnold IV
Portsmouth, NH