Pubdate: Thu, 13 Feb 2014 Source: Palm Beach Post, The (FL) Copyright: 2014 The Palm Beach Post Contact: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/333 Author: Nancy Alevizos Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n151/a09.html Page: A14 MEDICAL MARIJUANA SETS BAD PRECEDENT I have endured all the recent articles about Florida legalizing "medical marijuana." It's been perceived that we're talking about people with medical conditions who supposedly find relief from symptoms, but really, aren't they just getting high so they no longer care about their symptoms? After reading Michael Sloser's piece on the OpEd Page I realized I had reached my breaking point. Printing his article is nothing more than pandering to all the Florida retiree voters who will empathize with his plight and those of all the other elderly citizens who suffer from various maladies. So, getting high is the answer? Can they not realize that they are jeopardizing the youth of our state? If we legalize medical marijuana we are saying to our young people that pot isn't that dangerous. But I believe it is. There are many studies proving that adolescents' IQ drops after long-term use. The Palm Beach Post said it last week. It's common knowledge that prescriptions can be liberally written, opening the door for more drug abuse and addiction. Let's not put the future of our young people at more risk so that neuropathy patients can have one-third less pain. Sloser wants to live in dignity? How much dignity is there in lighting up a joint and demonstrating to young people how adults cope with adversity? Do you know how difficult it is to tell our children about the hazards of using marijuana when those who should be role models are purporting its use as "medicine"? NANCY ALEVIZOS Jupiter - --- MAP posted-by: Matt