Pubdate: Tue, 28 Jan 2014
Source: Times-Tribune, The (Scranton PA)
Copyright: 2014 Townnews.com
Contact:  http://www.thetimes-tribune.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4440
Author: Tony Valunas
Page: A12

REDIRECT RESOURCES

Editor: If marijuana were legalized for recreational use we wouldn't
be spending $350 million a year on enforcing marijuana laws.

Our limited resources that we spend on investigation, arrest and
prosecution of marijuana cases could be focused on heroin,
methamphetamines, prescription abuse and education.

Tie that to the revenue that could be realized by the sale and
taxation of marijuana and there is a new industry. Ninty-five percent
of it in Colorado must be grown in the U.S., by law. If legalization
of marijuana were nationwide, it would pull the rug out from under the
drug cartels in Mexico and the dealers here in NEPA.

Now, dealers use it as a cash crop for criminal enterprises and as a
way to get kids hooked on life-threatening drugs.

Marijuana's use as an extract for children with seizures is a
life-altering relief for them and heart-sick parents who spend
thousands on prescription drugs that are less effective and have bad
side effects. Criminalization of marijuana prevents good people from
getting jobs and causes others to lose jobs. Some go from high school
to prison because of the use of pot.

Laws regarding marijuana should be paralleled with laws regarding
consumption and restrictions of alcohol.

Smoking anything isn't good for you. Abuse of pot will cause
short-term memory loss, especially in those under 24. Marijuana can
never ruin lives the way alcohol and gambling has.

I will do my best to be a good parent and keep my loved ones from
smoking marijuana or anything else. I believe I stand a better chance
with its legalization.

Voters who find this reasonable should support John Hanger for
governor in the Democratic primary. He has a three-step, six-year
program for legalization.

TONY VALUNAS

OLD FORGE
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MAP posted-by: Matt