Pubdate: Sun, 01 Mar 2015
Source: Argus Leader (Sioux Falls, SD)
Copyright: 2015 Argus Leader
Contact:  http://www.argusleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/842
Author: Janet Lyso

LEGALIZING 'MIND-ALTERING' DRUGS BAD IDEA

Good for the North Dakota House defeating legalizing medicinal use of 
marijuana (aka 'pot'). The legislator who introduced the bill made 
the uneducated argument that "this is not a drug issue but a quality 
of life issue for the people of North Dakota." Oh, really.

In a western state where now pot is legally obtainable, my grandson, 
at age 11, was introduced to pot on his school campus. Last year, at 
171/2 years of age, he entered a youth rehabilitation facility for 45 
days at the parent's expense.

Law or no law, the users will find ways to obtain pot or other 
illegal substances, even prescription drugs.

Any substance unnatural to the human body is mind-altering, even 
anesthesia. Doctors have said there is pain management for those who 
need help, some medications, but also there is no relief.

I will not encourage any of our South Dakota State Legislators to 
legalize the sale of pot under any circumstances. Emotional as the 
pleas may be, this could be a moral offense, personally or 
corporately. Moreover, the taxpayers would have to pick one more 
entitlement tab for "no quality of life."

Janet Lyso, Sioux Falls
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom