Pubdate: Wed, 16 Jul 2014
Source: Day, The (New London,CT)
Copyright: 2014 The Day Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.theday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/293
Author: William H. Ezell
Page: 4

POT LEGALIZATION WILL PROVE TERRIBLE ERROR

The type of responsible reporting by Day Staff Writer Judy Benson on
June 18, "Group urges wariness amid marijuana push: 'We need to stop
this train'," is doing the country a big favor and may help wake up
some of our politicians, attorneys general and judges before another
public health crisis occurs like is happening in overgrown-pot Colorado.

Kevin Sabet, former senior drug policy officer to the White House,
warned a large audience of professionals at Connecticut College that
there is ample evidence from Colorado that legalization was a mistake
. and that Connecticut should take heed. There may be no stopping the
momentum for legalizing pot and playing into the quest by "Big
Marijuana" to reap big profits.

Mr. Sabet raises the legitimate question what are the citizens of
Connecticut going to do about the Mexican and Central American
billionaire business interests and the threat of legalization. He did
not hesitate citing the permanent ill effects pot has on children,
even edible pot candies.

This is troubling, but the political pressure is on for a "medicial
pot" outlet store in Uncasville.

Mr. Sabet's SAM - smart approaches to marijuana - program with former
U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy is going to need a lot of help.

William H. Ezell

New London
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