Pubdate: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 Source: Knoxville News-Sentinel (TN) Copyright: 2013 The Knoxville News-Sentinel Co. Contact: http://www.knoxnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/226 Author: M. M. Hine SEND YOUTHS RIGHT MESSAGE ABOUT POT Opponents of marijuana decriminalization oppose replacing prohibition with government-controlled regulation, saying ,"We don't want to send our kids the wrong message" This message is: "We think it's OK if our kids abuse marijuana, suffer harmful effects and destroy their lives." But consider the messages that continuing to support prohibition send: That it's not possible to responsibly consume marijuana; that there is no difference between marijuana use and abuse; that as a recreational substance, it's better to drink alcohol, even though alcohol causes more health problems and greater costs to society; and that it's right to continue a 45-year-old policy that has not reduced demand, cost billions of dollars and inflicted criminal records upon hundreds of thousands. But let's be honest. Responsible parents help their kids avoid abusing any substance. Parents should speak with their children about the use of alcohol: It's appropriate only for adults, and in moderation. We didn't need to outlaw all cigarettes to reduce use among minors. A policy of education and regulation created an environment in which cigarette usage has fallen to an all-time low. Regulating marijuana will allow parents to have conversations with their kids in the same way. M. M. Hine, Chattanooga - --- MAP posted-by: Matt