Pubdate: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA) Copyright: 2014 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc Contact: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340 Author: Anthony Frascino Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n278/a02.html Page: A15 NOT SO DOPEY Funny how, when money is concerned, marijuana is being upgraded to a pleasurable pastime, rather than portrayed as a drug on a par with heroin ("N.J. legislator: Legalize recreational pot," March 25). The fact that weed has been proven to far surpass legal substances such as tobacco and alcohol in its more benign and sometimes curative effects on the health of its users has little to do with this turnabout. Punitive measures have cost governments billions in law enforcement and new prisons, not to mention the harm incarceration has caused occasional smokers. But money has a way of prying open closed minds. Sadly, Gov. Christie still can't see the forest for the trees. Anthony Frascino, Swedesboro - --- MAP posted-by: Matt