Pubdate: Sat, 15 Aug 2015
Source: Alaska Dispatch News (AK)
Copyright: 2015 Alaska Dispatch Publishing
Contact:  http://www.adn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/18
Note: Anchorage Daily News until July '14
Author: Lindianne Sarno

LEGAL POT CAN END 'SPICE' USE

In the Aug. 9 Alaska Dispatch News, we read "NYC sees surge in 
synthetic pot use, with dire consequences." Synthetic marijuana is a 
deadly yet legal substance that preys on ignorant populations, such 
as New York's homeless. "The cheap knock-off weed is spiked with 
unknown chemicals that are supposed to mimic the more mellow effects 
of pot," but has caused "a spike in emergency room visits in New York 
City (and Anchorage) by users suffering from high blood pressure, 
hallucinations, hot flashes and psychotic meltdowns that can turn 
violent or deadly." The cannabis coalition consensus is, unknown leaf 
sprayed with chemicals, ugh. What herb is the leaf? What are the 
chemicals? We don't know. We wouldn't smoke synthetic anything. Only 
an ignorant cannabis-deprived soul, desperate for relief from poverty 
and misery, would stoop so low as to try synthetic marijuana.

A population enjoying free access to cannabis will help end this 
chemical plague upon some of our nation's most vulnerable people, and 
the unfortunate law enforcement officers whose job it is to deal with them.

The cannabis coalition sends this message to government: If you want 
the cannabis economy to work for you, yield abundant taxes, and end 
these terrible plagues of killer drugs, let cannabis flourish. Rather 
than being a gateway drug, cannabis is the popular, preferred 
substance. To decrease alcoholism and white powder use, make legal 
cannabis available. Do not ban cannabis clubs or cannabis friendly B&B's.

- - Lindianne Sarno

Member, Kachemak Cannabis Coalition

Homer
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom