Pubdate: Fri, 03 Aug 2012 Source: Highland Community News (CA) Copyright: 2012 Highland Community News Contact: http://www.highlandnews.net/forms/letters/ Website: http://www.highlandnews.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5208 Author: Bill Weber ANTI-POT I am not sure who wrote the editorial "Pot Shots," but whoever wrote this article needs to do a little research on the "recreational use" of marijuana and its effects on users and the public. Marijuana is a "gateway" drug that leads to use of stronger and more addictive drugs. Check with countries like England, Canada and Australia which have a 20-year record with "medical marijuana." They ALL agree that they should not have legalized marijuana. Marijuana is a drug that has pschological and physiological long term effects. Get some facts on the health effects of this "recreational" drug. It causes mental health problems, lung cancer, and research proves that it has an addictive effect on "heavy users" (one marijuana cigarette a day) according to many, many, legitimate, 10-year-long research studies. Who is going to bear the cost of the long term health effects, both mental and physical from marijuana use? In this country there is enough decay due to abuse of prescription drugs, alcohol abuse, and illegal drug abuse. You should look at the number of people and the county funds that are subsidizing people to get into the overcrowded rehab facilities to get free from "recreational marijuana use." I, for one applaud the cities of Highland and Loma Linda who are working to keep these "businesses" (leagalized crime) out of their communities. These "businesses" are a blight to the community and do not create anything but problems. Keep them out of Highland. Bill Weber Highland - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom