Pubdate: Fri, 23 Nov 2012
Source: Santa Maria Times (CA)
Copyright: 2012 Lee Central Coast Newspapers
Contact: http://www.santamariatimes.com/app/submit-letter/
Website: http://www.santamariatimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/396
Author: Maqsood Hassan

LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA

Marijuana is an illegal substance because the government claims 
marijuana is a threat. However, there has not been a single death 
related to marijuana, and it should be legalized.

Alcohol is legal and proven to be more addictive than marijuana. The 
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 
numerous alcohol-related deaths annually.

Another reason marijuana is illegal is because the government 
categorizes it in the same class of drugs as heroin and PCP. 
Pharmaceutical companies play a big role in the politics of keeping 
marijuana illegal. Furthermore, I strongly agree that patients should 
be able to use marijuana for their pain and nausea management.

I know of two good friends who have medical marijuana cards, and they 
both grow their own marijuana. My friend in Bakersfield told me there 
are more than a dozen benefits from marijuana. For example, on a cold 
day when your bones are hurting from arthritis, it helps immediately 
for pain relief. Also, he said you can rub cannabis lotion on the 
pain you're having, and it starts working in less than five seconds.

Over-the-counter medication, when taken in excess, can kill you and 
is much more dangerous than smoking marijuana.

Marijuana should be legalized.

Maqsood Hassan,

Santa Maria
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