Pubdate: Fri, 11 Jan 2013 Source: News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) Copyright: 2013 The News and Observer Publishing Company Contact: http://www.newsobserver.com/about/newsroom/editor/ Website: http://www.newsobserver.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/304 Author: Kelly Hill LEGALIZE MARIJUANA Regarding Froma Harrop's Jan. 2 column "Time to end the marijuana farce": Marijuana should be legalized for medical reasons, as in some cases the substance aids in relieving pain in the terminally ill. It should also be legalized for everyone over the age of 21, the same as for alcohol. Most people can get access to it if they want, whether it's marijuana or alcohol. It seems the justice system really has no positive influence on repeat marijuana users through court costs, jail time or community service. If marijuana were legalized, the government could tax it and use the money to assist in substance-abuse education purposes. Kelly Hill Cary - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom