Pubdate: Fri, 07 Sep 2012
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2012 The Columbian Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Author: Sandra S. Bennett

VOTE DOWN ATTEMPT TO LEGALIZE POT

Many of those involved in drug-prevention efforts are individuals, 
like me, who have had the lives of loved ones destroyed by drug use. 
Most of these tragedies began with marijuana as the first illegal 
substance used.

In the newspaper coverage of issues pertaining to drug use, the cost 
figures always reflect only law enforcement and incarceration, they 
never reflect the cost of treatment, of families on welfare because 
of money diverted to drug use, or the loss of employment due to drug 
use. And the cost figures do not reflect the lost productivity due to 
drug-using employees or the cost to our schools due to drug use.

Additionally, these costs do not reflect the fact that our emergency 
rooms are filled with individuals who seek medical help for overdose 
and psychiatric problems associated with drug use.

Marijuana has become one of the leading causes of drug-related 
emergency room episodes due to its high potency.

"Medicalization" of marijuana is nothing more than the "leaky bucket" 
approach advocated by the legalizers to attaining their goal of full 
legalization of all psychoactive and addictive substances.

Vote "no" on Initiative 502.

- -Sandra S. Bennett, La Center
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom