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MARIJUANA USE CAN BE THE START OF OTHER ADDICTIONS

I want to remind former treasurer Jonathan Miler that marijuana is often referred to as the "gateway" drug.  This is because users who first smoke it will often move on to bigger and "better" drugs to get the high they long for - like OxyContin and meth.

Ask any recovering addict.  Most started out using marijuana.  How could this be better for our state? We already have some of the highest drug-abuse rates in the country.

Furthermore, how much more of the state's budget can we afford to supplement drug-rehab centers? Legalizing marijuana would only increase the need for more rehab centers.  Most importantly though, what about the negative effect drugs and addicts have on our families? How will legalizing marijuana help the already-declining home and family lives of Kentuckians?

Parents who smoke pot aren't tending to their children.  They can't teach the values and morals our children so desperately need to learn and have modeled.  The supposed economic boosts Miller said Kentucky will gain from legalizing marijuana will never outweigh the social consequences.

Paula Renee Connell

Williamsburg