Pubdate: Thu, 26 Jan 2012 Source: Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO) Copyright: 2012 The Gazette Contact: http://www.gazette.com/sections/opinion/submitletter/ Website: http://www.gazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/165 Author: Theresa Null COSTS IN ADDITION TO MONEY I am concerned about "medical marijuana," a push to legalize it and how it affects our community. A young lady who I care for, call her "Sarah," dropped out of high school to work full time to provide for her mom, older sister, older sister's baby and boyfriend. Sarah ended up getting her GED about the same time as her peers graduated high school and worked two jobs. She met a wonderful man; stopped supporting her deadbeat relatives; worked one job; and had 2 children. I was proud that she overcame obstacles in her life. In the past year, she started using "medical marijuana"; lost her job; doesn't attend to her children like she did; lost her home to foreclosure and may get divorced because of her apathy. A divorce will leave her dependent on our tax dollars and will probably put her husband and children on food stamps or "reduced lunch" at school. For me, I love her. I'm concerned about her. And, I blame "medical marijuana." A local TV news show stated that the city made $66,000 in sales tax last month. Whoppee! How much in tax revenue is lost due to medical marijuana: apathy and loss of job, family, dependency upon the state, police, DHS, rehab, medical and so forth? If we, the people, are concerned about tax revenue and losses, then the cost of substance abuse should be weighed in with revenue income. I think there are costs in addition to money. Theresa Null Colorado Springs - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.