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
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom