Pubdate: Tue, 14 Feb 2012
Source: Hawaii Tribune Herald (Hilo, HI)
Copyright: 2012 Hawaii Tribune Herald
Contact: http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/share/letters/
Website: http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/185
Author: D. Marie

TARGET METH NOT POT

Marijuana is in the news. Now the focus is too many people have 
medical marijuana permits (Tribune-Herald, Feb. 11). Too many are too 
young. Too many do not have the correct diagnoses. Is this a threat 
to the community? Is this really where our focus should be? Is this 
where our resources should be spent?

Methamphetamine has a severe impact on our community. It's made in 
illegal labs with chemicals that are not meant for human consumption. 
This substance is tied directly to violent crimes.

Spice, a smokable substance, labeled as a type of incense, is legal. 
It is made of illegal chemicals in illegal labs. This substance makes 
people sick. It is also known to cause hallucinations and paranoia. 
This is a danger to the community and something I would much rather 
see our resources spent on.

With limited resources, it seems that the issues that bring danger 
and violence to our community should have priority. Overloading the 
legal system with nonviolent, victimless offenders is 
counter-productive. Do we want police officers looking for plants, or 
meth labs? Do we want to eliminate medical marijuana permits, or 
shops selling Spice?

Yes, there are people who abuse the medical marijuana system. Is 
there any system that isn't abused by someone? How much of a negative 
impact does this have on the community? It saddens me that a medical 
doctor views this current legislation as the most mean-spirited and 
cruelest bill he has ever seen. It really saddens me that this bill 
is getting "yes" votes.

D. Marie

Hilo
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom