Pubdate: Sun, 19 Jan 2014 Source: Duluth News-Tribune (MN) Copyright: 2014 Forum Communications Co. Website: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/553 Author: Paul Roue MARIJUANA EDITORIAL LACKED CRITICAL THINKING I read the Jan. 19 editorial (Our View: "Medical marijuana measure not yet right for Minnesota"). I realize it was on the Opinion page, but holy cow, did the News Tribune leave its journalist hat at home when writing this? The editorial was nothing but anecdotes and statistics without context; it showed a complete lack of critical thinking. Decriminalize marijuana and you eliminate the alleged crime around medical marijuana dispensaries or any shop because, unlike the synthetic crap, anyone can grow a plant. If we could detect any alcohol use in the previous 30 days, how many traffic fatalities would report alcohol was detected in the driver? That is exactly what the current testing for marijuana does. Colorado had a 114 percent increase in drivers testing positive for marijuana use (at some point in the previous 30 days). Did Colorado have a corresponding surge in traffic fatalities? No. Traffic deaths in Colorado from 2006 to 2011 decreased 16 percent, which mirrored the national average. Is it possible that marijuana use can trigger psychotic disorders? Maybe, but once again we need to put this in a rational context. Has there been a surge in psychotic disorders proportional to increasing marijuana use? Has there been any increase at all? No. In my 47 years on this planet I have smoked marijuana twice; both times it made me very nauseated. I have no interest in smoking marijuana. But consuming juice from raw leaves, which does not produce a psychoactive response (you don't get a high), does interest me. The juice from raw marijuana leaves contains an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer nutrient compound known as cannabidiol. I have Crohn's disease, and if Minnesota gets a medical marijuana law passed you bet I'll push my doctor to authorize me to use marijuana. State Rep. Carly Melin's bill doesn't go far enough. Marijuana should be decriminalized, period. Paul Roue Aurora - --- MAP posted-by: Matt