Pubdate: Sun, 06 Mar 2011
Source: Spokesman-Review (Spokane, WA)
Copyright: 2011 The Spokesman-Review
Contact:  http://www.spokesman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/417
Author: Judy McKeehan

LETTERS WHY NOT POT?

In response to the letter from Abbie Magee (Feb. 27), there are many 
good reasons to legalize marijuana. We have supposedly learned in 
this country that prohibition doesn't work. Therefore, we can legally 
buy beer, wine and hard liquor. We can also buy cigarettes, which we 
know are damaging to our health.

The choice to buy them is individual. They are quality-controlled and 
regulated. If marijuana were legalized, the illegal traffic and 
crimes associated with it would be eliminated.

Users would be able to count on quality and safety. The usage would 
not necessarily increase, but the onus and the risk would decrease. 
People who need marijuana for medical reasons would be able to get it 
easily. It is not our job to judge whether or not they need it.

So, Abbie, it is illegal. But, if consumers can make a choice for 
liquor and cigarettes, why not marijuana?

Judy McKeehan

Cheney
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom