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
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MAP posted-by: Matt