Pubdate: Sun, 06 Apr 2014
Source: Record, The (Hackensack, NJ)
Copyright: 2014 North Jersey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.northjersey.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/44
Author: John R. Miller

MANY SIDES TO LEGALIZING POT

Regarding "Save lives: Legalize, regulate and tax marijuana " (Other 
views April 1):

Upon first glance at the opinion by Jack A. Cole, it was my 
impression that the article was written as an April Fool's joke. 
Unfortunately it was not.

The misstatements of facts contained therein were glaring. According 
to a study published by the National Institute of Drug Abuse in 
January 2014, marijuana use has been increasing among teenagers since 
the mid-to late-2000's. The article believes there is a correlation 
between the legalization movement and the increase, because teenagers 
perceive that the use of marijuana isn't dangerous or can lead to 
debilitating life circumstances.

The survey pointed out that 6.5 percent of high school seniors now 
use marijuana every day as compared to 5 percent in the mid 2000's. 
Marijuana can be a dangerous drug and has many debilitating effects 
with long term use. Education, not enabling its use, is the answer.

I do agree that some of our laws are too draconian in respect to 
marijuana use and possession, however I don't believe legalization is 
the answer. Using the logic expressed in the article, we should 
legalize all drugs and tax them so we can make money off of people's addiction.

What a shortsighted approach to a problem. We need a blended approach 
with an emphasis on treatment along with reasonable punitive 
consequences for continued drug use. I agree with Governor Jerry 
Brown of California, who believes legalizing marijuana may lead to a 
nation full of "stoners," not a nation geared to achievement.

John R. Miller

West Milford, April 3
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom