Pubdate: Thu, 21 Dec 2000
Date: 12/21/2000
Source: Reno Gazette-Journal (NV)
Author: Trey Halatom

The Nevada Supreme Court is right in recommending the reduction from
felony to a misdemeanor for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Washoe District Attorney Dick Gammick's remark that marijuana is a
"gateway to other drugs, and a first step toward other crimes," is
simply not true. Marijuana does not lead to other drugs; nor is it an
addictive substance that causes people to commit burglaries and theft
to support the habit.

These statements by the police and prosecutors are nothing more than
propaganda meant to justify the cruel and unusual penalties levied by
the state of Nevada. The decriminalization of marijuana would have a
positive effect on society by removing this herb from the control of
the criminals who sell drugs like crack cocaine, methamphetamines,
heroin, LSD, etc. God created marijuana. It is a seed-bearing herb,
not a chemical substance mixed in secret labs such as those that do
cause addiction and abuse.

It is time to recognize the difference!

Trey Halatom, Reno (via e-mail)