Pubdate: Sun, 13 Jan 2008 Source: Burlington Free Press (VT) Copyright: 2008 Burlington Free Press Contact: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/letters.shtml Website: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/632 Author: John Quinn Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) MY TURN: IS LEGALIZING MARIJUANA A GOOD IDEA? Before the "Let's decriminalize marijuana" train leaves the station here in Vermont, I think that legislators and others should think about the potential impact on Vermont should we declare marijuana to be legal or decriminalized. Advocates for the decriminalization of marijuana have argued that we are losing the war on drugs. They argue that the jails are being filled with these minor offenders and that our resources are not being used wisely. As a prosecutor of 30 years I can unequivocally state that such claims are extreme exaggerations or outright lies. These advocates cannot show me a case in Vermont where a person went to jail solely for the possession of a small amount of pot. I have sent hundreds of people to diversion for such an offense. In diversion they are asked to do some counseling and community service in exchange for their case being dismissed. How many of Vermont's youths would take up pot smoking if it were no longer against the law? A hundred? A thousand? Ten thousand? Do we really want to permit the young people of this state to engage in the use of a substance that robs them of motivation, puts them in an altered state of mind, and potentially has them driving on the highways of Vermont while under the influence of marijuana? One of the great television ads regarding marijuana shows a 20-something male playing video games with his friends in his smoke-filled bedroom. A voice in the other room calls out to him asking if he's found a job yet. The young man replies, "No, not yet, Mom!" The viewer then realizes that these young men are wasting their lives away playing video games in their parents' homes. The ad concludes with the words, "Who says that marijuana is not harmful?" Those advocating for the decriminalization of marijuana know that pot smoking puts the user in a dreamlike state of mind. They get the "munchies" and have no ambition to accomplish anything. Is that what we want for our children? We are now part of a global society and global economy. Our young people will be entering a workplace where we compete with highly productive workers in other countries. Instead of decriminalizing drug use, we should be setting an example that people get ahead by getting a good education, working hard, and being productive. If we want to compete in a global society we need to be motivated to produce materials and ideas for the world. Pot smoking will not assist our society in becoming more productive. While I don't subscribe to the scare tactics of others that marijuana use automatically leads to harder drugs, it is often the case that I see a person charged with heroin, cocaine, or some other "hard drug" has a prior conviction for possession of marijuana. Those with "addictive" personalities, and who might not have ever tried marijuana for fear of getting caught by the authorities, may find themselves tempted by the high of marijuana and want to try something a little stronger. If keeping marijuana use illegal keeps one kid from becoming a drug addict, then we've saved a life. While we're considering the impact on the youth of this state, we had also better consider the impact on the rest of us when the other 49 states discover that Vermont allows pot smoking. Will every "pot head" in the country decide to move to Vermont? Shouldn't we be advocating for healthy lifestyles? I thought we were trying to get people to stop smoking. Decriminalizing marijuana in Vermont will lead to more smoking by our youth and an increased risk of lung cancer. Decriminalizing marijuana in Vermont will lead to more substance abuse and unhealthy lifestyles. It's a bad idea. - --- John T. Quinn of Weybridge is Addison County state's attorney. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom