Pubdate: Tue, 08 Sep 2015
Source: Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ)
Copyright: 2015 The Arizona Republic
Contact: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/sendaletter.html
Website: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24
Author: Patrice Reis

GET CRIMINALS OUT OF POT BUSINESS BY TREATING MARIJUANA LIKE ALCOHOL

Judith Ray (Thursday letters) claims, "we all know that there is a 
serious drug problem in our schools with the legalization of medical 
marijuana," yet she does not cite any scientific studies to 
substantiate this myth.

A study recently published in Lancet Psychiatry found "no hint of an 
increase (in teenage use) at all" in states that legalized medical 
marijuana. This study, by Dr. Deborah Hasin of Columbia University, 
was based on surveys of more than 1 million adolescents in 48 states.

There is rampant rhetoric and misinformation regarding marijuana use. 
I have read that it is easier for high-schoolers to access marijuana 
than it is for them to obtain alcohol, because drug dealers are not 
as discriminating as store owners with liquor licenses to protect. 
This makes sense to me.

I support legalization so production of, distribution of, and profits 
from providing marijuana to those adults who choose to use it is no 
longer in the hands of criminals. Let it be regulated responsibly as 
is the use of alcohol.

- - Patrice Reis, Sun Lakes
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom