Pubdate: Sun, 26 Sep 2010
Source: Contra Costa Times (CA)
Copyright: 2010 Bay Area News Group
Contact:  http://www.contracostatimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/96
Author: Irene Lynch

NO TO LEGALIZATION

Although medicinal marijuana has been known to relieve pain in many
debilitating illnesses, it has been determined to have a negative
effect on patients with pre-existing immune deficits.

Additional studies strongly suggest that marijuana affects brain
function and memory. It was also concluded that those patients will be
less capable to fend off respiratory conditions while at the same time
attempting to cure those and other diseases.

As advertised, even the popular blue pill has its own list of side
effects.

Others argue that decriminalizing marijuana for those 21 and older
would save billions of dollars from being wasted by law enforcement
and the courts. It would also generate huge amounts of money in tax
revenue.

But questions remain whether marijuana leads to harder drugs. Will
legalization of the herb stop the drug cartels or will they find other
substances to traffic?

As never before, we need clear-thinking people guiding our younger
generation to be ready to meet life's many challenges rather than
escape from reality to become potheads and losers.

Under the pretense of saving money, making something legal does not
make it morally right.

Irene Lynch
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake