Pubdate: Sat, 14 May 2016
Source: Pueblo Chieftain (CO)
Copyright: 2016 The Pueblo Chieftain
Contact:  http://www.chieftain.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1613
Author: Wayne C Martinez

POT ISN'T EVEN AS BAD AS ALCOHOL

Recently in The Pueblo Chieftain I read a group of medical 
professionals united to sign a document in favor of the current 
(misguided) petition in favor of outlawing marijuana establishments, 
etc.; within Pueblo County.

Currently, another voter issue would allow wine, full-strength beers 
and even spirits in grocery stores. I see none of the righteous 
indignation of these groups over the alcohol issue.

The hypocrisy is astonishing, ROTFLOL (Rolling on the floor laughing 
out loud). Alcohol is much worse than marijuana. But marijuana is so 
much more emotional than alcohol.

When Bayer introduced aspirin in 1899, cannabis was America's No. 1 
painkiller. Other evidence indicates that marijuana has been used for 
over 5,000 years. No one has ever overdosed using marijuana 
exclusively. Aspirin has been used for 108 years. Approximately 500 
people die every year by taking aspirin. I would encourage not using 
the film "Refer Maddness" as your reference point.

Yes, this is new. Yes, there is a learning curve and the novice user 
should use a "Rookie Cookie," but this too shall pass.

Colorado has always been a leader, and soon our views on marijuana 
will be no different than those on alcohol.

I once asked former Pueblo County Sheriff Dan Corsentino on talk 
radio how many deputies respond to domestic violence calls in which 
alcohol is involved? His answer was nearly 100 percent and how many 
with marijuana? The answer was none.

Of course, the other emotional argument is the children. With regard 
to that, you should be concerned about the pharmaceuticals in your 
medicine cabinet; that's what your kids are using. Just an observation.

Wayne C Martinez

Pueblo
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom