Pubdate: Thu, 31 Oct 2013
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO)
Copyright: 2013 St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/qFJNhZNm
Website: http://www.stltoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/418
Author: Renee M. Heney

LEGALIZING MARIJUANA JEOPARDIZES THE HEALTH OF OUR CHILDREN

In response to the editorial on legalizing marijuana ("The end of 
Prohibition, Part II," Oct. 29), I have this to say: If the majority 
of citizens - Missouri and otherwise - are in favor of marijuana 
legalization, they are misinformed. Equipped with knowledge, most 
people would not support an issue that jeopardizes the health and 
well-being of our country's youth.

There are risks associated with marijuana use among adolescents and 
young adults - whose brains are still developing - and to gloss over 
these realities, and make it appear as though "everyone" believes 
marijuana is harmless and should be legalized, is inexcusable.

Adults should be able to distinguish the difference between terminal 
illness and end-of-life comfort that can be gained from medicinal use 
of marijuana and a society that openly promotes recreational 
marijuana use like alcohol consumption.

Our children are being raised in a society where the social norm is 
to drink. (And it wasn't that long ago when cigarette smoking was 
also common.) Social gatherings, weddings, funerals - heck, even 
youth sporting events and birthday parties - typically involve 
alcohol. Children watch adults and learn. Do we really want children 
to view smoking pot as normal? And, if so, how many do you think will 
wait until they turn 21 to try it?

Renee M. Heney   Eureka

Director, Rockwood Drug-Free Coalition
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom