Pubdate: Wed, 14 May 2014
Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)
Copyright: 2014 Chicago Tribune Company
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/IuiAC7IZ
Website: http://www.chicagotribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/82
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n382/a06.html

CANNABIS CONSUMPTION

This is in response to "Vape pens, hash oil a worrisome combination" 
(Health & Family, April 30). Manufacturing hash oil is a potentially 
dangerous business. That's a reason to legalize and regulate marijuana.

Exploding liquor stills became a thing of the past after alcohol 
prohibition ended. As for the vaporizers Tribune reporter John 
Keilman is sounding the alarm over, these devices allow consumers to 
use cannabis without any harmful smoke inhalation. The prospect of 
kids using them is worrisome, but let's not be naive. Kids in the 
1970s had no trouble getting high using old-school combustion methods.

As a parent, I do not want my kids using marijuana. However, should 
they disobey me, I would much prefer that they use a vaporizer. Trust 
me, I will bust them regardless of the delivery mechanism.

Bottom line is cannabis consumption is getting safer for consumers. 
In Colorado, consumers are able to purchase locally grown marijuana 
of known quality and safety from retail stores that generate tax revenue.

Is it somehow preferable that consumers purchase untaxed, unregulated 
and potentially unsafe marijuana from criminals?

One day marijuana will be legal nationwide. When that happens, 
parents will still need to be parents.

Robert Sharpe, policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy, Washington
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom