Pubdate: Sun, 19 Jan 2014
Source: Duluth News-Tribune (MN)
Copyright: 2014 Forum Communications Co.
Website: http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/553
Author: Paul Roue

MARIJUANA EDITORIAL LACKED CRITICAL THINKING

I read the Jan. 19 editorial (Our View: "Medical marijuana measure
not yet right for Minnesota"). I realize it was on the Opinion page,
but holy cow, did the News Tribune leave its journalist hat at home
when writing this? The editorial was nothing but anecdotes and
statistics without context; it showed a complete lack of critical thinking.

Decriminalize marijuana and you eliminate the alleged crime around
medical marijuana dispensaries or any shop because, unlike the
synthetic crap, anyone can grow a plant.

If we could detect any alcohol use in the previous 30 days, how many
traffic fatalities would report alcohol was detected in the driver?
That is exactly what the current testing for marijuana does. Colorado
had a 114 percent increase in drivers testing positive for marijuana
use (at some point in the previous 30 days). Did Colorado have a
corresponding surge in traffic fatalities? No. Traffic deaths in
Colorado from 2006 to 2011 decreased 16 percent, which mirrored the
national average.

Is it possible that marijuana use can trigger psychotic disorders?
Maybe, but once again we need to put this in a rational context. Has
there been a surge in psychotic disorders proportional to increasing
marijuana use? Has there been any increase at all? No.

In my 47 years on this planet I have smoked marijuana twice; both
times it made me very nauseated. I have no interest in smoking
marijuana. But consuming juice from raw leaves, which does not produce
a psychoactive response (you don't get a high), does interest me. The
juice from raw marijuana leaves contains an antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer nutrient compound known as
cannabidiol.

I have Crohn's disease, and if Minnesota gets a medical marijuana law
passed you bet I'll push my doctor to authorize me to use marijuana.

State Rep. Carly Melin's bill doesn't go far enough. Marijuana should
be decriminalized, period.

Paul Roue

Aurora
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