Pubdate: 10 Mar 1999
Source: Cityview (IA)
Contact:  The Depot at Fourth, 100 4th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309
Fax: 515-288-0309
Author: Richard Nordin

REEFER AIN'T REAL LIFE

People who advocate the legalization of marijuana, such as William Dean
Hinton ("Is it time to decriminalize pot?" March 3 issue), always seem to
miss a major difference between marijuana and alcohol, with which they
often compare it.  Physically, alcohol only directly affects those who
choose to use it.  Marijuana is a mind-altering substance to which others
are exposed involuntarily by breathing the smoke.

Do we want children growing up in homes where their minds are altered by
second-hand marijuana smoke? Who is the designated driver among those who
attend a reefer party?

Not to say that alcohol consumption should be encouraged. Try getting a
real life.  There is a lot to live for and be enjoyed with sobriety.

Richard Nordin

Des Moines 
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