Editor:

I am writing to express my support for the Senate's recommendation to legalize the use and possession of marijuana. For far too long, thousands of good and otherwise law-abiding citizens have been persecuted (and prosecuted) for their use of a substance no more harmful than tobacco or alcohol. It is ridiculous, given the scientific evidence that supports a rethinking of our attitudes towards pot, that someone can still be sent to jail and saddled with a permanent criminal record for recreational cannabis use.

[continues 233 words]