Pubdate: Fri, 19 Jun 2015
Source: Press Democrat, The (Santa Rosa, CA)
Copyright: 2015 The Press Democrat
Contact:  http://www.pressdemocrat.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/348
Author: Thomas Hannah

POT RISKS

EDITOR: Our federal government has wisely invested large sums of tax 
dollars in public health, publicizing the dangers of tobacco use. The 
subject of this concern is the carcinogens in tobacco, which are 
substances that cause cancer. The effects of advertising by our 
government, with the help of the American Cancer Society, have 
blunted the use of tobacco. A great hypocrisy now exists as pressure 
continues to mount on local, state and federal agencies to legalize 
the use of marijuana.

Like tobacco, marijuana is inhaled through the lungs. The same 
carcinogens that are in tobacco exist in marijuana. Why are public 
officials caving in under the mounting pressure? Unrestricted 
marijuana use is going to cause a monstrous future health problem.

Government agencies and area media denounce the real environmental 
damage done in the regional grow areas. Where is the concern for the 
real future health problems?

I acknowledge the medical use of marijuana for those whose physical 
condition benefits from it. Could it be that our public officials are 
looking at the tax revenue that would be generated by legalizing pot 
without considering the greater impact of it being a consequential 
societal blunder?

THOMAS HANNAH

Rohnert Park
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom