The Oregon Sheriff's Association contributed $100,000 to defeat Measure 91, which would legalize and regulate marijuana for adults over 21. In essence, Oregon's sheriffs support and encourage domestic violence.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) supported a study tracking 534 newly married couples and domestic violence, called intimate partner violence perpetration. The study set out to confirm marijuana increased domestic violence. It found the opposite; marijuana reduced domestic violence even when only one partner used it. The more marijuana was used, the less violence. The researchers surveyed and paid couples who applied for marriage licenses and got and stayed married nine years. The study results were published in "Psychology of Addictive Behaviors," Aug. 18, 2014, and is available on PubMed.

Police say they hate working domestic violence cases. Law enforcement should consider its risk and support legalizing marijuana. The job it does would be safer.

Michael Bolton

Albany (Oct. 19)

[end]