marijuana

Pritzker Calls for “Summer of Love” 2.0?

David E. Smith — Fri, 02 May 2025 20:00:01 +0000

Written by David E. Smith

Pritzker publicly calls for “mass protests, mobilization, and disruption”

After reading and listening to almost a week’s worth of commentary about Gov. JB Pritzker’s campaign speech to New Hampshire Democrats on Sunday, April 27, 2025, and despite a wise recommendation to ignore him, some problems need to be tackled. His militant comments and calls for mass protests against Republicans in general — and the Trump administration specifically — stirred significant controversy on both sides of the political spectrum.

Who Exactly Are The Marijuana Offenders Biden Just Pardoned?

David E. Smith — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 09:00:32 +0000

Written by Daniel Horowitz

Unless you were at the Capitol on January 6, federal prosecutors don’t target you for prison for simply possessing marijuana. In fact, in this era of marijuana as the national pastime, you won’t find anyone originally targeted by prosecutors for nothing more than simple possession serving time in prison. So, when Biden makes a grand announcement that he is pardoning all those convicted of simple possession, you know there is more to it than meets the eye.… Continue Reading

“Defying Scriptural Hierarchies in Every Way Possible” (Illinois Family Spotlight #249)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 04 May 2021 05:21:56 +0000

For better or worse, the Illinois General Assembly is back in session and a plethora of controversial, radical, and just plain ridiculous bills are scheduled for consideration. Monte Larrick and David Smith are joined by Jenna Smith, David’s oldest daughter, as they discuss the compelling reasons to retain the Parental Notice of Abortion Act. Jenna shares her perspective as an older teen and articulates the devastating mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences that could impact young girls (17-years and younger) if parental notification is repealed.… Continue Reading

“Merry Christmas! Illinois Lawmakers Gift You More Drugs and Gambling” (Illinois Family Spotlight 176)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 10:00:54 +0000

This spotlight features an interview with ILCAAAP’s Anita Bedell to discuss seemingly increased vice in Illinois, or maybe just more exposed government corruption. Anita Bedell talks with Monte Larrick about more casinos therefore more gambling, how to fight commercial marijuana, and their combination link to corruption in politics.… Continue Reading

A Spring 2019 Legislative Update {Part 1} (Illinois Family Spotlight #150)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 09:00:51 +0000

Illinois State Rep Darren Bailey joined David Smith to discuss the legislature’s recent regressive accomplishments, if you can call them that, Rep Bailey’s personal conviction to run for office, and a very special event hosted by the “eastern block” conservatives coming up in late July.… Continue Reading

Illinois’ Recent Regressive Actions (Illinois Family Spotlight #149)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 10:00:08 +0000

This episode of spotlight is a recap of the last two weeks of the Illinois General Assembly where both chambers approved radical abortion expansion, recreational marijuana, and sports gambling and more casinos and slot machine access throughout the state. This exchange occurred on Stephanie Trussell’s weekly show on WLS with IFI’s David Smith as featured guest.

Important action alert: please contact your local authorities with polite requests to opt-out of recreational marijuana in your community.… Continue Reading

“It Really Comes Down to A Money Issue” (Illinois Family Spotlight #145)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 07 May 2019 07:00:10 +0000

This edition of spotlight features comments from Jeanne Ives, a former Illinois state representative and gubernatorial candidate.

Ives discusses the potential negative fiscal impact of legalizing marijuana, Illinois economic potential and incompetence.… Continue Reading

Why Do We Even Consider Legalizing a City-Destroying Drug? (Illinois Family Spotlight #141)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 09 Apr 2019 05:07:40 +0000

On this edition of Spotlight, a few good men from Pacific Garden Mission testified against marijuana legalization at a community leader breakfast in March. Pastor Phil Kwiatkowski, the president of PGM laid out the case against commercialization from his perspective, then PGM counselors Ron Childers and Theodore Jones round out the second half of the podcast with the story of their personal bondage and subsequent emancipation from this destructive drug.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Randall Explains THC and CBD

David E. Smith — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 13:00:05 +0000

Written by Benjamin Smith

In this week’s Spotlight podcast – maybe we should call it a potcast – Dr. Karen Randall returns to share her knowledge and experience with legal, high-potency marijuana, not only in her role as an ER physician, but also as a tax-paying resident of Colorado.

Dr. Randall explains the difference between the major compounds, THC and CBD, found in the marijuana plant and addresses how genetic modification affects compound levels. Monte, Dave, and Dr.… Continue Reading

“Hiding Amongst the Sheep” (Illinois Family Spotlight #136)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 10:00:31 +0000

Monte and Dave welcome Dr. Karen Randall, a ER pediatrician in Colorado back to the podcast to address marijuana legalization in Illinois. Specifically, the spike of marijuana related issues in her emergency department, cannabis science, the growth of the Colorado black market for pot, qualifications dispensary operators may (or may not) have, the public reaction when confronted by the facts, and a public invitation to come and witness the ill-effects on the states where marijuana is legal.… Continue Reading

It’s Time to Designate the Mexican Cartels as Terrorist Organizations

David E. Smith — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 15:00:47 +0000

Written by Daniel Horowitz

Imagine for a moment that groups of Islamic terrorists set up shop at our border, killed tens of thousands of Mexicans, mutilated bodies, controlled a flow of hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants every year over our border, and flooded our country with drugs and gangs. These organizations, in our “hypothetical,” operate in over 40 countries, are flush with weapons, money, and military-style tactics, control operations inside our country, and bring in drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil that are essentially chemical weapons.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: A Marijuana State of Mind

David E. Smith — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 13:00:23 +0000

Written by Benjamin Smith

Jo McGuire once again joins Monte Larrick and David Smith for a conversation on the extensive topic of commercial marijuana and the ongoing ramifications of legalized pot in Colorado. Ms. McGuire is the chairman of the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association, NDASA.com.

The podcast opens with a discussion of an issue that is often overlooked – how might legalized access to marijuana affect, even pose a threat to, safe and drug-free work environments?… Continue Reading

The Drug Plague is Growing, What to Do? (Illinois Family Spotlight #131)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 29 Jan 2019 08:00:38 +0000

In this week’s Spotlight is Angela Camp, a drug addiction specialist with Bradford Health Services in Birmingham, Alabama. Angela joins Monte Larrick to consider the raging heroin epidemic here in the United States, and it’s relation to opioid and marijuana addiction.

They examine drug abuse making in-roads in middle-class America, marijuana’s link to the use of opioids and hard drugs, the role of social media in this rampant drug scourge, some apps that are tell-tale signs of sketchy events in a young one’s life, what parents can do to keep their kids safe and alive, and what the community of faith can do.… Continue Reading

“Until It Affects You” (Illinois Family Spotlight #129)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 07:00:23 +0000

This episode Spotlights the marijuana debate, specifically in Illinois. Dr. Karen Randall joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss the problems that Colorado is experiencing resulting from commercializing marijuana.… Continue Reading

How Does Senator Barickman Plan to “Regulate” a Train Wreck?

David E. Smith — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 12:35:48 +0000

Written by Kathy Valente

Illinois State Senator Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) has been an outspoken proponent for legalizing high-potency marijuana and he wants a “seat at the table” when Gov.-elect JB Pritzker and other Chicago Democrats move the bill in 2019.

Take ACTION: Barickman will be the featured speaker Dec. 4 at the McLean County Chamber of Commerce’s BN The Know event in Bloomington, titled “Recreational Marijuana and the Business Community.” You can register to attend HERE.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Marijuana’s Ramification on Medicine

David E. Smith — Wed, 10 Oct 2018 09:11:27 +0000

Written by David E. Smith

This week’s Spotlight podcast focuses on the deception and devastation surrounding legalization of recreational marijuana. Joining Monte Larrick is Dr. Karen Randall, an emergency room physician from Pueblo, CO. Dr. Randall trained in the areas of emergency medicine, pediatrics and family practice. She holds a certificate in Cannabis Science and Medicine from the University of Vermont, serves on the Board of Directors and is Vice President of Case Management for Southern Colorado Emergency Medical Associates, and speaks nationally and internationally on the dangers of marijuana.… Continue Reading

“Emergency! In Colorado” (Illinois Family Spotlight #115)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 07:00:08 +0000

Today’s podcast features an interview with Dr. Karen Randall MD., an emergency room physician in the 3rd busiest Emergency Department
in Colorado; trained in emergency medicine, pediatrics and family practice; holds a certificate in Cannabis Science and Medicine from the University of Vermont; on the Board of Directors for SCEMA and VP of case management for SCEMA; has spoken nationally and internationally on the harms of marijuana.

Dr. Karen Randall and Monte Larrick discuss recreational marijuana legalization in Colorado, the push to legalize recreational pot in Illinois, a potential epidemic of lung cancer as a direct result of smoking marijuana, a larger nanny state in Colorado, the overwhelmed medical service in Colorado, and the consequences of using marijuana while pregnant.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: An Addiction Problem in the Making

David E. Smith — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 09:00:34 +0000

Written by David E. Smith

With the November election just a month away, this podcast is especially timely! Joining Monte Larrick this week is Anita Bedell, executive director of Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems. ILCAAAP is committed to preventing problems caused by alcohol, other drugs, and gambling by means of public information and education, as well as legislation.

Anita Bedell and Monte discuss the dangers, deceptive promotion, and miniscule financial benefits of proposed gambling expansion in Illinois.… Continue Reading

“An Addiction Problem in the Making” (Illinois Family Spotlight #114)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 07:00:07 +0000

In the Spotlight this week is Anita Bedell, who is the executive director of the Springfield based Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems, which is also known as ILCAAAP. ILCAAAP’s mission is to open doors to freedom from addictive behavior for individuals and families in Illinois through public information, education, and legislation.

They discuss the push in the Illinois capitol to open a new casino downtown Chicago and mini-casino’s at racetracks statewide; internet gambling and sports betting, including fantasy sports betting; the status of several pieces of gambling legislation, the principal one being SB 7 which includes internet gambling, sports and fantasy sports betting, and a Chicago casino.… Continue Reading

“Religious Freedom is Under Intense Attack” (Illinois Family Spotlight #102)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 07:00:10 +0000

In this week’s podcast, Monte Larrick interviews Alliance Defending Freedom’s (ADF) Regional Director J.D. Mesnard. This interview took place at IFI’s fourth annual worldview conference in early May. In the first half of the podcast, J.D. identifies the importance of ADF’s Church Alliance program, which supports the legal needs of churches across the nation during a time in which attacks on religious liberty are increasing.

During the second half of the podcast, in his capacity as Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, J.D.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Illinois Can’t Afford to Sit Back on Marijuana Legalization

David E. Smith — Wed, 30 May 2018 11:00:24 +0000

Written by John Biver

David Smith and Monte Larrick recently sat down with Jo McGuire while she was visiting Illinois. She warned about the many consequences of legalizing recreational marijuana. Jo comes from Colorado, where they have had recreational marijuana since 2013.

Jo McGuire serves on the board of directors for the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and co-chairs the Marijuana Education Committee. She is also a DATIA Certified Professional Collector and Trainer (CPCT) and a Certified Designated Employee Representative Trainer (CDERT) who consults and trains professionals overseeing Safety Sensitive Employees in the compliance of federal DOT guidelines for drug and alcohol screening programs.… Continue Reading

“Illinois Can’t Afford to Sit Back on Marijuana Legalization” (Illinois Family Spotlight #096)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 29 May 2018 07:00:22 +0000

David Smith and Monte Larrick recently sat down with Jo McGuire while she was visiting Illinois warning residents about the many consequences of legalizing recreational marijuana. Jo comes from Colorado, where they have had recreational marijuana since 2013.

“We Need a Theology of When to Get Fired” (Illinois Family Spotlight #094)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 15 May 2018 07:00:34 +0000

Monte Larrick interviewed John Stonestreet at Illinois Family Institute’s Fourth Annual Worldview Conference. Stonestreet is the president of the Chuck Colson Center and BreakPoint Radio co-host. They discuss why Christians should be concerned about the Culture when we have seemingly lost; the next major cultural shift after the Sexual Revolution; the continued attacks on religious freedom; and when it is right for Christians to engage in civil disobedience.

Monte and John also discuss the cost of following Jesus, and legalization of recreational marijuana.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Does Illinois Know What It Is Asking For?

David E. Smith — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 20:02:25 +0000

Written by John Biver

Dave Smith and Monte Larrick recently interviewed Jo McGuire while she was visiting Illinois warning residents about the many consequences of legalizing recreational marijuana. Jo comes from Colorado, where they have had recreational marijuana since 2013.

Illinois Is Already Stuck on Stupid and Doesn’t Need Dopey

David E. Smith — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 12:00:44 +0000

Written by Pat Hickey

Polls–you know ‘scientifically conducted’ data collection, organization and dissemination that agrees most heartily with the conclusions crafted prior to research collected, organized and disseminated–have given Illinois its lofty position on what has been designated the “Right Side of History.”

The same such research sent people to the ovens in the last century and slaughtered millions of unborn American humans since 1973.

Illinois, the biggest laughing stock real estate on the continent, is usually on the “Right Side of History,” but people and businesses move away or avoid Illinois altogether.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Before We Get High

David E. Smith — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 17:00:14 +0000

Written by John Biver

This week’s Spotlight features the conversation of IFA’s David E. Smith and Stephanie Trussell, that was originally broadcast this past Saturday in the opening hour of The Stephanie Trussell Show on 890 AM in Chicago.

Stephanie questions him about the recreational marijuana question on the ballot in Cook County.

At the very start of the show, host Trussell spoke about “the significance of a sitting president speaking at the March for Life.”… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Springfield 2017 Legislative Recap

David E. Smith — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 10:57:04 +0000

Written by Benjamin Smith

In this 50th edition of the Illinois Family Spotlight podcast, IFI’s and Illinois Right to Life Action’s lobbyist Ralph Rivera gives us a recap of the spring legislative session in Springfield. Well over 6,000 bills were introduced between January 11, 2017 and May 31, 2017. Dozens of these bills were on our radar screen. For a quick reference guide to these bills of concern, please click HERE.

In this podcast, Monte, Dave, and Ralph focus their discussions on HB 40, a bill which removes the ban on taxpayer funded abortions.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Fighting Marijuana Legalization

David E. Smith — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 11:59:57 +0000

Written by Benjamin Smith

We are pleased to feature Jo McGuire in this week’s Spotlight podcast. She serves on the board of directors for the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and co-chairs the Marijuana Education Committee. Jo is also a DATIA Certified Professional Collector and Trainer (CPCT) and a Certified Designated Employee Representative Trainer (CDERT) who consults and trains professionals overseeing Safety Sensitive Employees in the compliance of federal DOT guidelines for drug and alcohol screening programs.… Continue Reading

Trump Picks Pro Life Heritage Foundation Alum to Lead HHS Civil Rights Office

David E. Smith — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 16:00:45 +0000

Written by Joshua Denton

In a move vigorously applauded by social conservatives and simultaneously denounced by same-sex “marriage” advocates, President Donald Trump has appointed Roger Severino to head the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Civil Rights.

Severino formerly served as the Director of the DeVos Center for Religion and Civil Society. As Director, his three main focuses where on religious liberty, marriage, and life issues.

His track record of defending religious liberty, natural marriage, and the sanctity of life go further back then his time at the Heritage Foundation.… Continue Reading

Democratic Party Candidates for Illinois Governor: Paterakis & Pawar

David E. Smith — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 09:00:41 +0000

Written by John Biver

Last time we discussed Democratic Party declared gubernatorial candidates Bob Daiber and Chris Kennedy, before that Daniel Biss. Rounding out those formally in the race at this point are Alex Paterakis and Ameya Pawar.

We noted previously that candidate Daniel Biss is young — but he’s not the youngest candidate in the race. That position is held by Alex Paterakis, born in 1987 — and as we go to press he hasn’t seen his 30th birthday yet.… Continue Reading

The Case Against Recreational Marijuana: Colorado

David E. Smith — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 16:30:24 +0000

Written by Benjamin Smith

Last week, State Senator Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and State Representative Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) introduced legislation to legalize recreational marijuana for anyone 21 years-old or older. These bills (HB 2353 and SB 316) would not only legalize the sale and use of marijuana (possession limit of 28 grams which makes about 60 joints), but also allows people to grow marijuana in their homes or on property they own.

That is why this week’s podcast is so very important. … Continue Reading

Marijuana Myths

David E. Smith — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 11:10:01 +0000

On this week’s podcast: Ed Ronkowski once again joins Monte Larrick and Dave Smith to shed some light on pressing questions about marijuana and its legal status. Mr. Ronkowski dispels the common misunderstanding that marijuana crowds prisons, and the panel discusses the idea marijuana is “not that bad,” whether medicinal marijuana is an acceptable medical option, and how Illinois is currently facing the marijuana question.

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“Marijuana Myths” (Illinois Family Spotlight #009)

David E. Smith — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 08:00:10 +0000

Ed Ronkowski rejoins Monte Larrick and David Smith to shed some light on pressing questions about marijuana and its legal status. On today’s show: whether marijuana crowds prisons, if marijuana is “not that bad,” whether medicinal marijuana is an acceptable medical option, and how Illinois is currently facing the marijuana question.… Continue Reading

Color Colorado Purple

David E. Smith — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 09:00:24 +0000

Written by Robert Knight

The Rocky Mountain State is known for its purple mountain majesties, as immortalized in “America the Beautiful.”

But If Katharine Lee Bates, who wrote the nation’s unofficial anthem in 1913, were penning her lyrics near Pike’s Peak today, she might be humming “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix.

Colorado is purple all over, from legalizing recreational use of marijuana in 2012 to its role as a crucial swing state.

From the hippie districts of Denver and Boulder to the Christian conclaves in Colorado Springs, there’s something for every persuasion.… Continue Reading