Pubdate: Wed, 25 Mar 2009 Source: Metro Times (Detroit, MI) Copyright: 2009 Metro Times, Inc Contact: http://www.metrotimes.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1381 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n293/a01.html Author: Jane Manzitti LEGALIZE IT As an avid fan of Larry Gabriel and Jack Lessenberry's opinion columns, I was compelled to write about "Home-grown $$$" (March 11). I have been saying marijuana should be legalized for years and wholeheartedly agree with you. The fact that medicinal marijuana is legal and personal possession is illegal solidifies the hypocrisy of the situation. The debate has been that marijuana is a gateway drug to harder, more deadly drugs. What? An addictive personality will do drugs and alcohol of any type, not state that marijuana is their first step to crack. What is more deadly, eight beers or eight drags from a marijuana cigarette? As the drug companies have such a tight grip on this country, I can only imagine that they would fight tooth and nail to smash any legislation of this type. After all, they want you to take Xanax, not a couple hits of pot. It's more money in their greedy hands than for normal folks, who could benefit from a new industry. Many good people and families have been hurt by the illegality of pot. Jane Manzitti, Wyandotte - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake