Pubdate: Tue, 16 Apr 2013
Source: Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)
Copyright: 2013 The Commercial Appeal
Contact: http://web.commercialappeal.com/newgo/forms/letters.htm
Website: http://www.commercialappeal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/95
Author: Sean Douglas
Page: 9A

WEED HAS ITS BENEFITS

In response to the April 13 letter "Pitfalls of marijuana," I hope 
the writer is also in favor of banning alcohol, caffeine, sugar, 
tobacco, cough medicine and any prescription anxiety or depression 
medicine if he is against any drug that "creates a sensation, an 
illusion that is momentary." Also, I am confused as to what he means 
by no redeeming qualities. It has been proven marijuana has medical 
benefits. Just because it has bad side effects does not mean no 
benefits. It's a question if the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Some people would say weed's negatives are less harmful than most 
legal prescription medicine. People say smoking isn't healthy, but 
they ignore vaporizers and edibles when it comes to marijuana.

I believe it is not the government's job to protect us from 
ourselves. The harm of being arrested is worse than marijuana's side 
effects, and the costs of the drug war far outweigh any benefits. We 
shouldn't punish responsible drug users, just like people who drink a 
glass of wine after work shouldn't be arrested. Alcohol is a drug, 
after all, as is coffee, sugar, etc. Those who wish to keep marijuana 
prohibited are no better than Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Sean Douglas, Germantown
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom