As I get older, I look back in my past and wonder why. I was an individual who used to smoke marijuana on a daily basis for most of my life, up until about seven years ago, when I stopped because I don't feel the need to get stoned any more, and because of employment reasons. Nevertheless, I cannot understand the latest craze of medical marijuana. It seems that marijuana dispensaries are popping up all over the place, and the medical field is letting our society get stoned. Another thing I don't understand is what some may call better health -- how can a person be in better health and get any work done when you're stoned all the time? [continues 280 words]
In response to Jerry Cameron's opinion article "By ceding on low-level offenders, we gain ground in drug war" (March 30) and regarding the war on drugs, it is encouraging to see that some in law enforcement, having fought in this war, realize its futility. Since this "war" officially began in 1970, what has been achieved? Nothing positive; 1.6 million citizens are arrested per year on drug charges. Their lives are basically ruined. A record ensures trouble when applying for jobs. Lifetime incomes are adversely affected, reputations are ruined, and families are humiliated and stigmatized. [continues 216 words]
