Pubdate: Sun, 01 May 2016 Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL) Copyright: 2016 Orlando Sentinel Contact: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325 Note: Rarely prints out-of-state LTEs. Author: Dennis M. Conboy Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n288/a04.html MISGUIDED ON POT Regarding Orlando City Commissioner Samuel B. Ings' My Word column, "Ings: Here's why I'm voting no on easing pot penalties," on Wednesday: Ings' opinion is, at best, short-sighted and antiquated. Ings insists that recreational marijuana use should remain a criminal activity. The perception that recreational marijuana use is criminal is dying a slow death, and deservedly so. I expect Ings is unaware of how many of his friends might be recreational or medicinal users. This ordinance would not promote open marijuana smoking, as he assumes; there is a fine. Marijuana use would remain illegal. This ordinance would tarnish a public image? I expect there are family-oriented folks all over the nation and beyond who do not choose Florida as a vacation destination because of the restrictive marijuana laws. Hopefully, Ings will be inundated with common sense regarding this issue, and thereby, he may see clearly in short order. Dennis M. Conboy DeLand - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom