Pubdate: Sun, 29 Mar 2015
Source: Palm Beach Post, The (FL)
Copyright: 2015 The Palm Beach Post
Contact:  http://www.palmbeachpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/333
Author: Michael D. Cirullo Sr.

ANOTHER APPROACH FOR LEGALIZING POT

As a substance-abuse professional, I voted "no" on the medical 
marijuana issue in November. I believe it would be a hypocritical 
law, turning doctors into criminals.

However, I would favor a law legalizing marijuana for both 
recreational and medical use. The Everglades could be saved with the 
revenue derived from taxing marijuana use.

One state license - to cultivate and distribute marijuana - could be 
awarded to the Seminole Tribe under certain conditions, such as:

1. The Seminoles would lease land in the Everglades from the state 
for the exclusive use of marijuana cultivation.

2. All revenues generated would be used exclusively to restore the 
Everglades for not less than 20 years.

3. Recreational marijuana would be distributed through existing 
licensed alcohol package stores, under the same laws as sales of 
liquor and cigarettes.

4. Medical marijuana would be prescribed and distributed through 
pharmacies, under the same laws as prescribed medicines.

If marijuana were legalized for recreational use, marijuana abuse 
could be treated the same as abuse of other substances, such as 
alcohol and nicotine.

Insurance companies would save a lot of money with less-expensive 
nonresidential treatment programs, such as outpatient and peer 
recovery meetings, if marijuana were legalized. Currently, many are 
sent to a residential facility for treatment. last time politicians 
fixed a golf course? Leave that to the professionals.

MICHAEL D. CIRULLO SR.

PALM BEACH GARDENS
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom