Pubdate: Mon, 17 Mar 2014
Source: Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA)
Copyright: 2014 The Press-Enterprise Company
Contact: http://www.pe.com/localnews/opinion/letters_form.html
Website: http://www.pe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/830
Author: Kenneth M. Cable

POT A BAD GATE TO OPEN

President Barack Obama recently remarked that smoking marijuana isn't 
worse than drinking alcohol, and that he had smoked marijuana as a young man.

Having worked in law enforcement for 35 years, I disagree with the president.

Many people may deny that there is a link between smoking marijuana 
and taking harder drugs, but my professional experience convinces me 
they're wrong.

The euphoria produced by marijuana has led legions of young people on 
to a life of drug abuse.

Advocates have achieved incredible success pushing for marijuana's 
acceptance, and states looking to cash in have jumped on the bandwagon.

Advocates say that legalizing marijuana will lead to an elimination 
of street-corner drug dealers. I disagree. Sellers know that buyers 
will seek drugs that do not have the added cost of state and local taxes.

Over the years I have heard many people claim that past or current 
use has not affected them. I'm sure this is true in many cases. But 
for thousands, it is not true.

Kenneth M. Cable

Canyon Lake
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