Pubdate: Thu, 09 Apr 2015
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2015 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Clairice Veit
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n198/a09.html

THE UPSIDES TO LEGAL MARIJUANA

Re "Newsom taking a gamble on pot," April 7

It is disconcerting to think that Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, in his run 
for governor, would be "taking a gamble" in backing the legalization 
of marijuana.

What are the downsides of marijuana prohibition?

It tears apart families as mothers and fathers are hauled off to jail.

It leaves families economically destitute as property is confiscated.

It affects primarily the most vulnerable: the poor and people of color.

It forces our youth to deal with drug cartels, which terrorize people 
south of the border, when they want to experiment with marijuana.

What are the upsides? There is maybe one: A few people don't smoke 
marijuana who otherwise might.

I'm a 76-year-old nonsmoker (of anything) who fully supports Newsom's 
efforts to humanize the distribution, sale and use of marijuana in California.

Clairice Veit Encino
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom