Pubdate: Wed, 19 Jun 2013
Source: Wyoming Tribune-Eagle (WY)
Copyright: 2013 The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle
Contact:  http://www.wyomingnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1217
Author: Janet Cunningham

POT PROHIBITION MAKES NO SENSE

I agree wholeheartedly with Linda Burt of the American Civil Liberties
Union in her letter of June 11, "Wyoming should consider
decriminalizing pot."

Every American should read "Smoke Signals" by Martin A. Lee. Mr. Lee
tells about how marijuana was demonized by Harry Anslinger back in
1934 when he determined to convince Congress and Americans that a
dangerous new drug was threatening the country.

He did this because tax revenues were down and his department in the
government was on the chopping block. It was also a way to promote
racism against African Americans, Mexicans and Asians. The laws put in
place at that time were truly draconian.

I cannot understand the aversion to a natural substance that is
effective when millions of people are put on potent man-made chemicals
for diseases and pain. We don't hesitate to treat mental health
disorders or physical ailments with strong medications, often with
negative side effects. Marijuana has undergone many studies, some even
funded by the federal government.

We know how unsuccessful the prohibition of alcohol was. The "war on
drugs" is equally a failure.

The enforcement of the law is certainly a waste of public funds and
police time. Peace-loving people are put away for absolutely no
reason; for a "crime" for which there is no victim.

Cigarettes and alcohol are dangerous and detrimental to a person's
health. They also cause many social problems. Yet they are advertised,
promoted and used by millions, often with disastrous
consequences.

There are no health benefits to nicotine and alcohol whatsoever. Their
negative health effects cost the country millions in medical expenses
every year.

The alcohol and tobacco companies have good reason to oppose marijuana
reform. Those industries would begin to lose profits.

Wyoming needs to join the 21st century along with our close neighbor
Colorado, which has legalized medicinal and recreational use.

It is my hope, too, that the federal government will wake up and see
the folly of all these years of putting people through hell (many who
are disabled and using marijuana to ease pain and discomfort) because
of an antiquated and unnecessarily ridiculous law.

Janet Cunningham

Cheyenne
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