Pubdate: Sat, 17 Nov 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: Ryan Seay WHY DID WE LEGALIZE POT? Where is the wisdom? This possibly was the most important election America has seen for many years. With Amendment 64 on our ballot, the citizens of Colorado made a crucial decision. Colorado decided that it would be the first state to legalize marijuana with Amendment 64. Through this amendment, citizens over the age of 21 are allowed to own and use an ounce of marijuana. This may not sound like much, but from only one ounce, you can produce between 50-60 joints. That is a lot of pot. If you decide to utilize this new right, there is significant danger, because the making of marijuana is not regulated or inspected by the FDA to ensure quality. This means that marijuana growers do not have to make quality products. This could pose some serious problems for people who smoke marijuana. In my opinion, I honestly have no idea why this amendment passed. Do we not know the dangers of marijuana? Does Colorado not understand that there may now be drivers not only under the influence of alcohol, but also under the influence of marijuana? Where is the wisdom in this decision? Are we so caught up in protecting our "rights" that we will legalize something that will put us and our children in danger? I fail to see the good in a drug that ruins our minds, our respiratory systems and, most importantly, ruins lives? Ryan Seay Colorado Springs - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom