recreational marijuana

Why Americans Should “Just Say No” To The Great Marijuana Lie

David E. Smith — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 12:00:13 +0000

Written by Lucian Gideon Conway III

“Let’s not kid ourselves. Pennsylvanians who want to buy adult-use cannabis are just driving across the border to one of our five neighboring states where it’s legal. Up to 60% of the customers at those stores just over the border are Pennsylvanians, and we’re losing out on an industry that will bring in $1.3 billion in new revenue to our Commonwealth. Let’s work together — Republicans and Democrats alike — and legalize adult-use cannabis.”… Continue Reading

Dennis Tipsword Earns IFA’s Endorsement!

David E. Smith — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 12:01:19 +0000

IFA Staff Reports

We were very impressed with his presentation and the question and answer session with Woodford County Chief Deputy Sheriff Dennis Tipsword, Jr. Not only does he have 27 years of law enforcement background, with a specialty in drug interdiction, he owns three small businesses, including an ammunitions machine shop.

Dennis is passionate on the right to life, ethics in government, responsible spending, and preserving Second Amendment rights to protect our families. His experience as a police officer also informs his opposition to the expanded “comprehensive” sex education mandate which, in our opinion, is nothing more than grooming innocent and vulnerable children for early sexual activity.… 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

SPOTLIGHT: Until It Affects You

David E. Smith — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 12:00:15 +0000

Written by Benjamin Smith

In light of Governor JB Pritzker’s avowed priority to legalize “recreational” marijuana in Illinois, this week’s Spotlight podcast is definitely worth listening to as well as sharing with family and friends – especially anyone who might be on the fence about the subject of legalization.

As a long-time Emergency Room physician (with a certificate in Cannabis Science and Medicine from the University of Vermont), Dr. Karen Randall brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table as she describes to Monte Larrick and David Smith the devastation legal access to high-potency marijuana has brought to her community of Pueblo, Colorado.… Continue Reading

“Dealing With Addiction in the Pew” (Illinois Family Spotlight #106)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 07:00:18 +0000

This edition of Spotlight features Jo McGuire once again, who comes on to discuss what Illinois might look like after a plausible five years of retail marijuana; debunking the crime drop myth in Colorado; encouraging lawmakers considering legal pot to visit Colorado and seek certain people groups, one of which is RMHIDTA, you can view their report here; advertising marijuana usage to pregnant women to alleviate first trimester discomfort and the complications that follow; what church leaders need to do to educate their congregations and specifically young people; and finally Jo’s story which has permanently vested in her an interest in this topic.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Illinois General Assembly Session Recap

David E. Smith — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 11:57:01 +0000

Written by David E. Smith

In this week’s podcast episode, Illinois Family Institute lobbyist Ralph Rivera and contract lobbyist Mark Johnson join Monte Larrick to discuss some of the action, and inaction, that occurred during the spring Illinois General Assembly session.

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Rivera and Johnson weigh in on Illinois’ new budget, the possibility of a tax increase after the November election and the House resolution proposing a progressive income (“fair tax”) plan, as well as the danger of an even greater Illinois Exodus than we’ve experienced to date.… Continue Reading

Illinois General Assembly Session Recap (Illinois Family Spotlight #098)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 07:00:13 +0000

Monte Larrick sat down with Illinois Family Institute’s lobbyist Ralph Rivera, and IFI’s contract lobbyist Mark Johnson following the adjournment of the most recent Illinois General Assembly session.

They discuss the new Illinois budget, a potential Illinois fair tax, SB 1564 and a pro-life version, financing taxpayer funded abortion, Illinois ratifying of the Equal Rights Amendment, when Illinois will attempt to legalize recreational marijuana, what the next attack on life might target, what Illinois might do with the US Supreme Court’s ruling about sports betting, and the vital importance of turning out to vote in the down ballot races.… Continue Reading

“Does Illinois Know What It Is Asking For?” (Illinois Family Spotlight #091)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 24 Apr 2018 07:00:59 +0000

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.

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

“We Need Some Changes in Springfield” (Illinois Family Spotlight #079)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 30 Jan 2018 10:00:55 +0000

There is a big election on the horizon. What occurs in the 2018 primary could have huge implications on the future of Illinois. Ralph Rivera is back with Monte and Dave to discuss the March primary, and the legalization of recreational marijuana in Illinois.

Ralph is a lobbyist in Springfield with Illinois Right to Life Action and Illinois Family Institute.

The importance of the March primary is summed up during the discussion by two facts.… 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

“Before We Get High” (Illinois Family Spotlight #078)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 23 Jan 2018 08:00:57 +0000

This week’s Spotlight features the conversation of IFA’s David E. Smith and Stephanie Trussell, on joined the Stephanie Trussell Show on 890 AM this Saturday.

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.” “No other president in modern times has had the courage to come out and speak for those who can’t speak for themselves.”… Continue Reading

“Is Illinois Going to Pot?” (Illinois Family Spotlight #077)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 16 Jan 2018 08:00:09 +0000

In the Spotlight this week, is Bishop Lance Davis, the pastor of New Zion Covenant Church in Dolton.

Dave, Monte, and Bishop Davis discuss the Cook County referendum on the legalization of marijuana. How will marijuana legalization impact Illinois civil society? And, have we counted the social costs of this type of legislation in the state of Illinois?… 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

“Five Minutes of Courage” (Spotlight #048)

Benjamin D. Smith — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 05:15:01 +0000

Jo McGuire joins us today. 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 who oversee the compliance of federal guidelines for drug and alcohol screening programs. McGuire also assists educators with classroom and assembly-style presentations aimed at youth drug prevention and parent education.… Continue Reading