Pubdate: Wed, 19 Oct 2016
Source: Reno Gazette-Journal (NV)
Copyright: 2016 Reno Gazette-Journal
Contact: http://www.rgj.com/letters
Website: http://www.rgj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/363
Author: Joe Gorman

LEGALIZE CANNABIS AND TEACH KIDS GOOD DECISION-MAKING

Even as a business owner and father of two children, I am convinced
that legalizing cannabis is the right choice for Nevada. TV ads
decrying the dangers of edible cannabis for children miss the point:
Cannabis-related hospitalizations in Colorado still make up a tiny
fraction of total poisonings and have led to no reported deaths.

Legalization will not change child endangerment laws or the importance
of responsible parenting. And arguments that legalization will affect
older children's educational development also ring hollow.

If things haven't changed since my youth, kids already know whom to ask 
to find cannabis if they wish. Rather than continued prohibition, we 
need to teach children healthy decision-making in a world where choices 
about alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs are unavoidable.

A regulated, age-restricted market together with more school funding 
offers our children the best chance of leading healthy, productive 
lives. Question 2 is not perfect, but it's the right choice for Nevada 
and its children.

Joe Gorman, Reno
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt