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WRONG TO JAIL PEOPLE FOR MARIJUANA USE

To the editor:

I'm writing in response to your Feb.  7 editorial headlined, "Duplin's big night goes up in smoke." As one who was born in the Tar Heel State, I was especially disappointed to learn of the actions of the Alcohol Law Enforcement agents in the harassment of Willie Nelson's band just prior to the cancellation of their show in Kenansville.

This incident points out the petty meanness of current marijuana prohibition laws that fill jails in North Carolina and nationwide with such "de minimus" crimes.

I dare say that for people of Nelson's age, most marijuana use is to alleviate the aches and pains which accompany aging, and is therefore as medical as can be.

It is way past time to stop subjecting otherwise honest and good people to prison for marijuana.  True, marijuana laws may be ( essentially ) a financial gift to police and others in the arrest and prosecution industry, but that doesn't make it right to jail adults solely for using the plant.

I'm all for prosecuting drunks if they commit crimes, but to jail them solely for taking a drink isn't right.  Let's stop jailing people for marijuana.

Doug Snead

Irvine, Calif.

Editor's note: Doug Snead is a drug policy analyst for the Media Awareness Project.