Pubdate: Mon, 23 Feb 2004
Source: Press Journal (FL)
Copyright: 2004, The E.W. Scripps Co.
Contact:  http://www1.tcpalm.com/tcp/press_journal/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2977
Author: Melanie Marshall
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n289/a06.html?19232
Note: Titled by MAP

RESPONSE TO OFFICIAL

I am ashamed that we are paying Dr. Andrea Barthwell to lie to us. A doctor 
should honestly know the truth about such a simple subject.

The plain truth is that cannabis has not killed one person in the 5,000 
years of its use. It is less addictive that cigarettes, and it is less 
mind-altering than alcohol. Why should it be so surprising that the plant, 
cannabis sativa, could be so medically beneficial when so may 
pharmaceutical drugs are derived from plants? It is because we have been 
told for more than 70 years that marijuana, the flower of cannabis, is a 
dangerous drug that will ruin lives.

If cannabis were legalized, many jobs that depend on processing marijuana 
laws offenders would be lost. If cannabis were legalized, not one drug lord 
would make another penny from selling it. Because drug dealers don't ask 
for I.D., children find it easier to buy marijuana than beer.

If a person is concerned about children ruining their lives, please let 
them focus their argument on alcohol and homemade meth.

Melanie Marshall,

Jacksonville Beach
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom