Pubdate: Thu, 28 Oct 2004
Source: Juneau Empire (AK)
Copyright: 2004 Southeastern Newspaper Corp
Contact:  http://www.juneauempire.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/549
Author: Kayla Roys

TAKE A CHANCE ON LEGALIZATION

Marijuana should be legalized. I know what you're thinking: a person
my age, thinking marijuana should be legalized, what is this world
coming to?

First of all, this world isn't coming to anything. Of the kids my age,
13 and 14, not many smoke pot, and the ones who do just like breaking
the rules. If you saw a sign that said "Do Not Enter," it's just all
the more reason to enter. Marijuana is something many people go to
jail for yearly, which I think is wrong. But if it were legalized, it
would still be illegal to minors, and would still only be able to be
used in private possession. No dealing, and no buying.

Also, marijuana is a natural grown substance, and has properties that
can help people. Maybe you can get cancer from it, but these days what
can't you get cancer from? It can and should be used as a painkiller;
you could be in so much pain that no other painkillers help. My
grandpa was just on morphine and I believe he didn't know what he was
doing at all times, and couldn't remember much, because it was such a
powerful drug. If a legal drug can do that, why don't we just legalize
marijuana?

There are some consequences that come along with legalizing marijuana,
but what is living if we don't take a chance? Vote Yes on Ballot
Measure No. 2.

Kayla Roys

Dzantik'i Heeni Middle School

Juneau 
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