Pubdate: Wed, 21 Jan 2009 Source: Shoreline Lake Forest Park Enterprise (WA) Copyright: 2009 The Enterprise Newspapers Contact: http://www.enterprisenewspapers.com/section/ETPZoneSHL Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4970 Author: Jeanne M. Ferguson Note: Jeanne M. Ferguson Executive Director, Grammas for Ganja Organization www.grammasforganja.org CANNABIS PLANT HAS MANY USES It doesn't surprise me that Sarah Palin is worried about supporting the legalization of cannabis, commonly called "marijuana," because she fears the message it would send her five children ("Gregoire and Palin have at least one thing in common," Enterprise, Jan. 21). I felt the same way when I discovered a small bag of the plant in my son's dresser drawer 30 years ago. And I worried about my four younger children. At the time I, too, believed the tales of "reefer madness." That all changed for me after I began reading the history of the cannabis plant. What an education I got! And I am still learning about the economic and environmental benefits that would be forthcoming if we simply allowed the plant to be grown. Besides medicine, we ought to be using the seeds for food and fuel, and the fiber for clothing and construction materials -- just a few of the numerous uses for the plant. I understand the fears of these women and say educate yourselves. There is nothing to fear except ignorance. Jeanne M. Ferguson Executive Director, Grammas for Ganja Organization http://www.grammasforganja.org