Pubdate: Wed, 26 Mar 2003
Source: Columbia Daily Tribune (MO)
Copyright: 2003 Columbia Daily Tribune
Contact:  http://www.showmenews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/91
Note: Prints the street address of LTE writers.
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n407/a02.html

NEXT TO A CRIMINAL RECORD, HEALTH EFFECTS OF POT MINUTE

Editor, the Tribune: For the sake of his students, I hope MU Professor 
David Webber decides to vote in favor of marijuana decriminalization come 
April 8.

According to the Monitoring the Future survey, over half of all high school 
seniors have tried an illicit drug. Most teenagers outgrow their youthful 
indiscretions involving marijuana. An arrest and criminal record, on the 
other hand, can be life-shattering. After admitting to smoking pot, but not 
inhaling, former President Bill Clinton opened himself up to "soft on 
drugs" criticism. And thousands of Americans have paid the price in the 
form of shattered lives.

More Americans went to prison during the Clinton administration than during 
any past administration. As an admitted former drinker and alleged illicit 
drug user, President George W. Bush is also vulnerable when it comes to 
drugs. While youthful indiscretions didn't stop Clinton or Bush from 
assuming leadership positions, an arrest surely would have. The short-term 
health effects of marijuana are inconsequential compared to the long-term 
effects of criminal records.

Robert Sharpe
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