Pubdate: Fri, 04 May 2012
Source: South Whidbey Record (WA)
Copyright: 2012 South Whidbey Record
Contact:  http://www.southwhidbeyrecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2515
Author: Judith LaMontagne

ISLAND DOESN'T NEED LEGAL POT

To the editor:

I have read with interest the back-and-forth discussion of whether to
allow a distribution point for medical marijuana on this island. I
would like to write against that idea. It is not that I have no
sympathy for those in great pain, but I would like to present some
deep reservations I have about this plan.

1. All drugs have side effects, but marijuana has more serious side
effects that other painkillers do not have, such as long-term damage
to the brain and greater impairment to driving skills. I understand
that a driver can be as impaired, if not more so, under marijuana's
effects as with alcohol. We already have a tremendous problem with
drunk drivers on this island. I would hate to see it made worse.

2. Most of us go off-island for various doctor appointments already. I
assume that if a person truly needs marijuana, he or she could also
obtain that prescription on the other side. Does it really have to be
available here?

3. I fear that granting a distribution point for marijuana might well
be a foot-in-the-door for marijuana as a recreational drug and perhaps
other drugs as well. Supposedly, safeguards would be in place, but
there are no guarantees. Again, do we need even a possible drug
problem on this island?

I am old enough to recall that when abortion laws were put into place
everyone was told that all it would do would be to stop back alley
abortions and would never become a huge problem as some feared.
Regardless of a person's feelings pro or con on abortion, it is easy
to see that the fears were justified.

I am writing this letter out of good will toward those on this island.
We have an idyllic lifestyle here and I would like to see it
preserved. It is not my wish to start an editorial war concerning
medical marijuana distribution here, and certainly I do not wish to
have bad feelings to or from anyone. It is only my desire to raise a
word of caution. Let's give this idea a lot more thought.

Judith LaMontagne

Freeland
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