Pubdate: Thu, 04 Dec 2008
Source: Modesto Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2008 The Modesto Bee
Contact:  http://www.modbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/271
Author: Sam Bosshardt
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n1055/a09.html

POLITICAL PRISONERS IN DRUG WAR

Regarding "2 sentenced in medical pot case" (Nov. 22, Page A-1): My
heart goes out to the two men who have become the latest political
prisoners of the "war on drugs." Seriously, there isn't anything to
fear about cannabis but fear itself. Millions of years of human life
have been lost in jail and billions of dollars squandered that could
have been spent on healthcare, education, rehab for meth addicts, etc.
There is not a single death directly linked to marijuana. It has no
permanent effects, is virtually impossible to overdose on (you can
overdose on water much easier), does not fry your brain, and studies
have shown it increases brain cell growth and slightly reduces the
risk of cancer.

Congress made it illegal in the '30s because the petrochemical
industry lobbied hard against it. Hemp is not a drug, but the
government classifies it as one. Hemp is a better ethanol source than
corn, is better than cotton for clothing, can save the Earth and solve
global warming and so much more. This is all fact, readers; please
research on the Internet! Do it for the sick people and the Earth.

Sam Bosshardt

Turlock
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin