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
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MAP posted-by: Matt