Pubdate: Wed, 29 May 2013
Source: Columbus Dispatch (OH)
Copyright: 2013 The Columbus Dispatch
Contact:  http://www.dispatch.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/93
Author: Carmen Sauer
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n225/a08.html
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n192/a02.html

ARGUMENTS FOR LEGALIZING POT FULL OF HOLES

In his Saturday letter "Don't put limits on healthcare choices," Dan 
Riffle said, "Nationwide, 3 out of 4 Americans recognize the medical 
benefits of marijuana" but fails to say exactly how many were asked. 
Four? Were they all members of the Marijuana Policy Project, and who, 
exactly, funds that?

The May 3 Dispatch article "Proposals would legalize marijuana in 
Ohio" indicated a recent poll that shows more than 1,000 Ohioans want 
to legalize marijuana for both medical and recreational use.

The article failed to mention Ohio's population is more than 11.5 
million. Anyone in law enforcement ( thankfully, they prefer to 
pursue drug-induced criminals rather than take a poll) will tell you 
marijuana leads to stronger drugs, along with increased crime.

Democratic Rep. Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown said he has heard 
"countless stories" of marijuana easing chronic pain and other 
ailments. Again, how many is "countless"?

By golly, call me old-fashioned, but I would take the word of an 
addiction psychiatrist over a politician and deputy director of a 
"marijuana project" any day.

Since Hagan thinks selling marijuana is a "more-sensible drug policy" 
for the country, perhaps a person can sell his soul at the same 
state- licensed establishments.

We could eliminate the national debt.

CARMEN SAUER

Columbus
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom