Pubdate: Sun, 08 Jul 2012
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2012 The Tribune Co.
Contact: http://www2.tbo.com/static/tools/contact-us/
Website: http://www.tampatrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Author: John H. Swift

THE BENEFITS OF MARIJUANA

It's a good thing that our law enforcement agencies are clamping down 
on the sale of the various kinds of "synthetic marijuana." The stuff 
is causing great physical and mental harm to many users, especially 
youths. It is not marijuana but, in fact, a mixture of legal herbs 
that have been treated with various toxic chemicals. It is definitely 
a dangerous substance. On the other hand, there are dozens of 
legitimate medical and scientific studies that have shown natural 
marijuana is not intrinsically harmful and is not a gateway drug. 
Most studies have shown that marijuana is beneficial in the treatment 
of many illness and diseases, both physical and mental.

It's about time that our government acknowledge the facts and 
legalize marijuana, at least for medical purposes. Legalization will 
not create a drug epidemic - we already have one. It will reduce a 
lot of crime, both on the streets and along the Southern border, 
while increasing government revenue through government control and 
taxes. It will also reduce the amount of crimes and illnesses caused 
by the abuse of alcohol and prescription and illicit drugs.

John H. Swift

Ruskin
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom