Pubdate: Wed, 14 May 2014
Source: Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO)
Copyright: 2014 The Gazette
Contact: http://www.gazette.com/sections/opinion/submitletter/
Website: http://www.gazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/165
Author: Don Addy

WHAT AMENDMENT 64 HAS WROUGHT

What hath we wrought, Colorado?

The now famous Colorado Amendment 64 legalizing recreational use of
marijuana has become an embarrassment to our state and a big problem
for our citizens. Warnings of growing addictions, an increase in
criminal activity, explosions from hash oil, increased use by our
youth and even deaths caused by excessive consumption have all come
true. None of these harmful effects have been offset by a gain in net
tax revenues, especially after it has become clear that we need to
step up expensive enforcement and conduct costly studies to limit
consumption and control distribution. Above all, it has become
abundantly clear that marijuana is not harmless! Medical experts cite
many studies and research data that prove this fact.

Is this what a responsible society permits? Do we not care about the
health of our youth? Do we not mind having underground criminal
elements in our midst? Do we forgo our obligation to maintain a safe
and healthy community in the name of "freedom?"

Still not convinced? Then read from the website of "Marijuana
Anonymous" (www.marijuana-anonymous.org): "Marijuana Anonymous is a
fellowship of men and women who share our experience, strength, and
hope with each other that we may solve our common problem and help
others to recover from marijuana addiction. The only requirement for
membership is a desire to stop using marijuana."

Who is a marijuana addict?

We who are marijuana addicts know the answer to this question.
Marijuana controls our lives! We lose interest in all else; our dreams
go up in smoke. Ours is a progressive illness often leading us to
addictions to other drugs, including alcohol. Our lives, our thinking,
and our desires center around marijuana - scoring it, dealing it, and
finding ways to stay high."

This is what Amendment 64 has wrought. If you care about Colorado and
the future of our state and our civilization, commit yourself to
supporting efforts to rescind 64.

Don Addy, Colorado Springs
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MAP posted-by: Matt