Pubdate: Mon, 29 Dec 2014 Source: Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, FL) Copyright: 2014 Sun-Sentinel Company Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/mVLAxQfA Website: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/159 Author: James Derr Page: 10A EASING MARIJUANA ENFORCEMENT A MISTAKE The Sun Sentinel article, "Marijuana-Friendly States to Get a Break from DEA" (Dec. 16), indicates that with the passage of the latest federal spending bill, the Feds will no longer enforce the anti-sales laws of marijuana in those 32 states (and D.C.) that have legalized it. This marijuana approval occurred despite the fact that no valid scientific proof exists of the positive, long-term medical effect of marijuana. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has documented a host of negative effects, including impaired intelligence, altered moods, increased risk for leukemia, increased susceptibility to bronchitis, transmittance of birth defects, impairment of brain functions, as well as impaired bodily coordination. They further report that the chances for a heart attack are 5 times greater after smoking pot and the chances for a car accident doubles. Has our government lost its mind by foisting increased risks of health issues and automobile accidents on the American public? Has the thirst for more tax money from marijuana sales overwhelmed the need of the public for better safety and health? James Derr, Deerfield Beach - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom