Editor: I read with interest the responses to my letter. There is still a lot of controversy about marijuana. The fact that any drug has been used for a thousand years does not mean it does not have any potential medical problems. Any drug that is strong enough to instill changes in the body, may also adversely affect the body or mind. For someone to write that a "naturally" occurring plant should not be illegal is obviously ignorant of the many "natural" substances that occur in nature that are not necessarily positive. [continues 576 words]
Editor: Response to: "Government could collect tax dollars on legalized marijuana" (Roundup -- July 24'07) I must respond to the ridiculous aspect of taxes on the letter recently submitted on marijuana and taxes. There are still long-term tests being done on marijuana and the active ingredient THC to determine what long-term use might mean to the average user. The experience with thalidomide and other potentially "harmless" drugs should not be taken lightly. It is for the consumer's protection that all drugs are considered guilty until proven innocent. It would be absurd to study a drug in any other context. [continues 159 words]
