Pubdate: Thu, 11 Dec 2008
Source: Maui News, The (HI)
Copyright: 2008 The Maui News
Contact:  http://www.mauinews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2259
Author: Ilima Davis

MARIJUANA BAN ADDS TO COSTS IN THE COMMUNITY

The marijuana laws and the consequences of keeping weed illegal do
more harm to the general population than allowing folks to smoke it.
Its illegality raises its street value, causing burglaries and
violence. Families are separated and jails are overflowing.

A lot of money is made in the enforcement, court system and punishment
industry, creating an unnecessary burden on taxpayers. The so-called
dangers of allowing pot to be used as medicine or even small amounts
of recreational use are not as bad as the damage caused by criminals
due to banning it.

Patients who find relief from nausea, pain and other conditions must
suffer from the stigma as there is no legal dispensary available for
them. Many aren't in the position to grow a few plants and they have
to hide from burglars to whom the stuff is like cash. Transporting it
by mail, by plane or by car to get these meds to their home is illegal.

It's time to stop the brainwashing about this herb. I know a 63-year
old-cancer patient who is wasting away, but this herb increases his
appetite and keeps him alive a few years longer.

As a society we tend to believe that legal is also pono. It ain't
necessarily so.

Ilima Davis

Kaunakakai
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin