Pubdate: Tue, 13 Mar 2007
Source: Stevens Point Journal (WI)
Copyright: 2007 The Stevens Point Journal
Contact: 
http://www.wisinfo.com/journal/contactus/readerservices/letter_to_editor.shtml
Website: http://www.wisinfo.com/journal/index.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2517
Author: Jason G. Zencka

TEENS PUSH FOR LEGALIZED POT

While defendants implicated in last month's drug bust spent Monday 
afternoon filing through the courthouse, five Stevens Point teenagers 
staged a small protest against the criminalization of marijuana use.

Holding signs declaring "Be Wise, Legalize," and "Hemp Can Save the 
World," protesters courted honks from passing vehicles on the corner 
of Main Street and Strongs Avenue, only blocks away from the building 
where more than 20 defendants made their initial hearings in drug cases.

"People should be able to choose what goes in their body," said Ben 
Eisner, 18. "Caffeine has more deaths per year than marijuana," he said.

Eisner, who said he is proud of being a marijuana smoker, stressed 
that he believes the legalization of cannabis for both medicinal and 
recreational use will promote healthier using habits.

"With legalization comes responsibility," Eisner said.

"I think it should be used the same way alcohol is used," said Eryn 
Edelbeck, 17, adding that abuse of alcohol is more damaging to 
long-term health than marijuana.

The protesters also emphasized the practical uses of growing hemp, 
citing its viability as a fossil fuel substitute as well as its 
potential usefulness in manufacturing and agriculture.

"It's the most versatile plant on the planet," Eisner said.

This is the second week marijuana enthusiasts have gathered downtown 
to speak in favor of the plant. The group says they will meet there 
weekly to draw local support, possibly with the goal of starting a 
chapter of NORML, a national lobbying group that opposes the 
prohibition of marijuana use.

Not every protester claimed personal experience with the drug, 
however. Eleni Schuler, 16, said she has never used marijuana.

Said Shuler, "I just support the idea."
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MAP posted-by: Elaine