Pubdate: Thu, 12 Mar 2009
Source: Ukiah Daily Journal, The (CA)
Copyright: 2009 The Ukiah Daily Journal
Contact: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/feedback
Website: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/581
Author: Stan White
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n226/a04.html

MORE ON LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

To the Editor:

Another beneficial component of legalizing cannabis (marijuana) that
doesn't get mentioned (Local Officials' Initial Thoughts On Marijuana
Bill, Feb. 25) is that it will lower hard drug addiction rates. DARE
(Drug Abuse Resistance Education) will stop brainwashing youth into
believing lies, half-truths and propaganda concerning cannabis, which
causes grave future problems.

How many citizens try cannabis and realize it's not nearly as harmful
as taught in DARE type government environments? Then they think other
substances must not be so bad either, only to become addicted to
deadly drugs. The old lessons make cannabis out to be among the worst
substances in the world, even though it's never killed a single person.

The federal government even classifies cannabis as a Schedule I
substance along with heroin, while methamphetamine and cocaine are
only Schedule II substances. For the health and welfare of America's
children and adults that message absolutely must change.

Further, regulated cannabis sales would make it so citizens who
purchase cannabis would not come into contact with people who often
also sell hard drugs which would lower hard drug addiction rates.

Stan White

Dillon, Colo.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin