Pubdate: Thu, 06 Dec 2001
Source: Athens Banner-Herald (GA)
Copyright: 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc
Contact:  http://www.onlineathens.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1535
Author: Michal Slawny
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1999/a03.html

LEGALIZING MARIJUANA ISN'T THE SOLUTION TO OUR DRUG PROBLEMS

This is in response to Robert Sharpe's (Nov. 28) letter about legalizing 
marijuana. I strongly disagree with Mr. Sharpe. I believe the legalization 
of marijuana will not decrease the number of teen-agers who use it. In my 
opinion, if marijuana is legalized, children and teen-agers will use and 
abuse the drug even more. Those who were afraid to use it before because it 
was illegal, will now be permitted to use the drug. Sharpe says that 
legalizing marijuana would ''eliminate the forbidden fruit appeal of 
illegal marijuana,'' but I don't think that it is true. What about drugs 
like alcohol and cigarettes? They are legal, yet alcoholism is a major 
problem in this country, and many teen-agers smoke countless numbers of 
cigarettes. Why wouldn't there be a similar situation with marijuana? I 
think the only reason marijuana should be legalized is if it is used for 
medical purposes and medical purposes only. Doctors should be the only 
people allowed to prescribe marijuana to patients. Honestly, if marijuana 
is legalized, we will just have one more drug we have to worry about 
getting into the hands of more children.

Michal Slawny
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