Pubdate: Thu, 21 Dec 2000 Source: Reno Gazette-Journal (NV) Contact: http://www.nevadanet.com/renogazette/index.html Authors: Trey Halatom, Becci Morgan TIME TO BACK OFF FROM DRUGS AS CRIME The Nevada Supreme Court is right in recommending the reduction from felony to a misdemeanor for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Washoe District Attorney Dick Gammick's remark that marijuana is a "gateway to other drugs, and a first step toward other crimes," is simply not true. Marijuana does not lead to other drugs; nor is it an addictive substance that causes people to commit burglaries and theft to support the habit. These statements by the police and prosecutors are nothing more than propaganda meant to justify the cruel and unusual penalties levied by the state of Nevada. The decriminalization of marijuana would have a positive effect on society by removing this herb from the control of the criminals who sell drugs like crack cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, LSD, etc. God created marijuana. It is a seed-bearing herb, not a chemical substance mixed in secret labs such as those that do cause addiction and abuse. It is time to recognize the difference! - -Trey Halatom, Reno (via e-mail) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I'm writing in response to Richard Cohen's column on drug policy. I couldn't agree more! Our hard-line drug policy is a farce. At its point of origin, intentions were good. We needed to get drugs off the streets, so let's scare offenders with stiff jail sentences. As well meaning as this concept was, it was born of ignorance. These offenders are not criminals but sick people controlled by their addictions who cannot see anything past getting their next fix, let alone the consequences. Don't think I'm condoning those who break other laws such as driving drunk, theft or violent crimes. Dues for those types of crimes must be paid. But do the justice system and our legislators truly believe that by locking a user up they are really stopping their use? That idea is absurd! Clogging up our prison systems with users is doing nothing but causing more problems. Not only does the drug use continue, the offender comes away with one of two mentalities: 1) The consequences aren't so bad; I get fed, housed and clothed while I used drugs. Or 2) A life of crime is all I have left as a convicted felon. Who are we really helping? Sadly, no one. - -Becci Morgan, Reno - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager