Pubdate: Fri, 12 Sep 2014
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Copyright: 2014 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc
Contact:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340
Author: John F. Rooney
Page: A19

EASING UP ON POT SMOKERS NO EASY THING

No one wants to ruin the future of a young adult caught with a small 
amount of marijuana ("Marijuana compromise," Sept. 9). However, 
decriminalizing the offense can be complicated, as Police 
Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey notes. For instance, what do you do 
with recidivists? The city's legislation does not address this issue.

Nine percent of all marijuana users become chronic users; among 
teens, it's 15 percent. What message does decriminalization send to 
middle and high school students? The wrong message.

John F. Rooney, Drexel Hill,  ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom