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ANOTHER APPROACH FOR LEGALIZING POT

As a substance-abuse professional, I voted "no" on the medical marijuana issue in November.  I believe it would be a hypocritical law, turning doctors into criminals.

However, I would favor a law legalizing marijuana for both recreational and medical use.  The Everglades could be saved with the revenue derived from taxing marijuana use.

One state license - to cultivate and distribute marijuana - could be awarded to the Seminole Tribe under certain conditions, such as:

1.  The Seminoles would lease land in the Everglades from the state for the exclusive use of marijuana cultivation.

2.  All revenues generated would be used exclusively to restore the Everglades for not less than 20 years.

3.  Recreational marijuana would be distributed through existing licensed alcohol package stores, under the same laws as sales of liquor and cigarettes.

4.  Medical marijuana would be prescribed and distributed through pharmacies, under the same laws as prescribed medicines.

If marijuana were legalized for recreational use, marijuana abuse could be treated the same as abuse of other substances, such as alcohol and nicotine.

Insurance companies would save a lot of money with less-expensive nonresidential treatment programs, such as outpatient and peer recovery meetings, if marijuana were legalized.  Currently, many are sent to a residential facility for treatment.  last time politicians fixed a golf course? Leave that to the professionals.

MICHAEL D.  CIRULLO SR.

PALM BEACH GARDENS