Pubdate: Fri, 24 Jun 2011 Source: Seattle Times (WA) Copyright: 2011 The Seattle Times Company Contact: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409 Author: Theresa Froehlich MARIJUANA MORE HARMFUL THAN CIGARETTES While cigarette packages are getting the graphic makeover to discourage smoking, Washington lawmakers are promoting decriminalization of marijuana ["Government's gory labels aim to extinguish smoking habit," [page one, June 22]. Ironically, these two Seattle Times articles were printed side-by-side, prompting the readers to ask, "What popularized smoking back then?" Legislation doesn't curb self-destructive behavior of citizens, but it seems the smart lawmakers who call the criminalization of marijuana "stupid" should at least have enough of a social conscience to educate the public about marijuana before tearing the legal fences down. One marijuana cigarette can cause more damage to the lungs than many tobacco cigarettes because marijuana has more tar in it and is usually smoked without filters. The damaging effects of marijuana include, but are not limited to, anxiety, paranoia, nausea, tremors, decreased coordination, breathing problems and reduced blood flow to the brain (and therefore causes more problems). If the current law criminalizing the production and possession of marijuana is as stupid as the lawmakers claim, how will a new law limiting the quantities be smarter? If people have trouble exercising self-control and respecting boundaries to begin with, how will the new law change the game? Deleting the existing law without educating the public is nothing less than being irresponsible. Theresa Froehlich Lynnwood - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.