RE "MARIJUANA'S rising potency sparks debate" (Health | Science, June 23): I smoked in the '70s and '80s. Believe me, there was some potent marijuana back then, just as there is today. The problem is it's time for those who oppose marijuana to get to the real nature of curing our nation's drug problems. Marijuana isn't killing people. Imported crack and heroin are. Quit wasting time fighting marijuana and maybe we would have a chance of keeping those killer drugs outside our borders. Or, just keep wasting our resources to combat marijuana while people are dying and hard drug users, children, and our neighborhoods are suffering. Sandy Cote Lincoln Park, MI [end]
To the editor: Re: "Drug war is just law enforcement" (May 15): I agree that alcohol and nicotine are deadly substances -- unlike marijuana, which should also be legal. It's wrong to criminalize a person for using something less dangerous than legal substances, and it's wrong to spend our resources waging war on the highly popular plant and its millions of consumers, when our country faces far more serious drug problems (crack, heroin). In case anyone hasn't noticed, we're losing the war on deadly narcotics, and it's time to reform the drug war. [continues 124 words]
Re: Show me how crack kits help addicts (Tom Brodbeck, Sept. 4). When health-care officials are seeing crack addicts flowing in for treatment due to burns and infections again and again, it's their job to help. They are the experts here, not politicians or anyone else. Sandy Cote Toledo, Ohio (But are only experts qualified to judge?) [end]
Year after year, for decades, supporters of marijuana law reform have been ignored by our government. It's time to change that. There's an old saying 'If you can't beat 'em, join 'em', and that's just what the Ohio Marijuana Party (http://ohio.usmjparty.com) intends to do. Founded by Ohio residents, Sandy Cote of Toledo and Sterling Albury of Martinsville, this chapter of the U.S. Marijuana Party (www.usmjparty.com) has formed a political action committee to support or oppose candidates for office who support or oppose our mission of reforming marijuana laws. But more importantly, we are petitioning to form a political party to gain ballot access and run our own candidates for office at every level of government. Ohio requires 33,563 signatures of registered voters to do this. Our laws don't make it an easy process. However, given the history of Hempfest attendance, if each person who attends this year downloaded the petition from our website and obtained just ten signatures each, we would be way over the top and could accomplish this very difficult task in record time! Let's show our strength. This is OUR Party and we deserve it. [continues 72 words]
Regarding "Lawmakers Aiming for Zero Tolerance of Pot Smoking" (The NEWS, May 5): If a person is found guilty under the Drug Impaired Driving Enforcement Act, then shouldn't that person have committed that crime? Traces of marijuana metabolites can be found in a person's body weeks after he or she used marijuana. Its consumers can be charged with driving impaired, under the influence of drugs, with an intoxication level of zero and while not impaired or endangering anyone in any way. A person who has come in contact with second-hand smoke may also test positive and be charged with a crime they didn't commit. Impaired driving is a very serious offense. If a person is convicted of this crime, then they should be guilty of this crime. [continues 117 words]
Regarding "Illegal drug tax increases crime" (April 13, p. 3), prohibition drives up the prices of illegal drugs. Dealers set their own rates, and because drugs are illegal, the price is high. Would it be cheaper to buy a bottle of Scotch in a dry county? Selling drugs is a highly profitable business for lawbreakers, and prohibition supports them. Putting drug dealers out of business would make for a safer environment. They cannot settle their disputes in court like law-abiding citizens, so they settle them in a criminal fashion by using violence. They also sell to children. [continues 72 words]
Regarding "The best damn letter we received all week!" (April 8): Excellent letter and thanks to Jim Miller for sending it in. Watch out, Nevada! The U.S. drug czar could be coming to a town near you on your tax dollars to influence your elections. Marijuana laws are changing all over the world, because we know they're wrong. We don't need our tax dollars to try to convince us that they're right. This country has a serious drug problem -- and it has nothing to with marijuana. It's saddening to see our top drug officials making pot their top job, even disputing its medicinal value. Don't let the drug czar pull the wool over your eyes. The people know what's best for the people. TOLEDO, OHIO [end]
I, too, agree that "Medical marijuana can help those who need it" (Nov. 25). I don't have multiple sclerosis like the late Cheryl Miller, God bless her beautiful soul, and I don't have epileptic seizures like Scott Russ' mom, but I do suffer from a debilitating illness and marijuana does help. I have post-traumatic stress disorder. I have been the witness and victim of horrific violence. I've spent the majority of the days of my life fearing what I knew was about to come, and 90 percent of the time, did. Those days are gone but the effects are still here. [continues 249 words]
Regarding "Drug Criminalization" (Dec 22): The American people have have not profited one bit from all the money that's spent on the war on drugs. The only profiteers of prohibition have been government agencies, prison industrial complexes and drug dealers. It's time to take a serious look at our drug policies. Let medical professionals deal with the hard drug demand and put street dealers out of business. At least, stop wasting time on pot. Sandy Cote Toledo, OH [end]
To the Editor: Regarding the letter "Rush's problem" (Dec 1): I really don't know a lot about Rush Limbaugh, though I've heard a lot about him lately following the publicity of his drug addiction, but I just had to laugh at this creative editorial, even though drug addiction is no laughing matter. I wish the best for Mr. Limbaugh in defeating the control that drugs have taken over his life, and hope his public influence can help others to understand and have compassion for all those who have, unfortunately, fallen victim to horrible addictions. Sandy Cote Toledo Ohio [end]
I am extremely disappointed and even outraged with the ineffectiveness of our drug policies. Drug dealers are having a field day, and addicts are suffering. Nobody wants to be an addict; the problem is they are addicted. Did they realize the extent of their fate before they became addicted? Probably not, or they wouldn't be an addict. Addiction is a horrible thing, and those who suffer from it need medical treatment. But we don't have enough money to give it to them because it costs too much to house them in our prisons, where, as I understand it, drugs also reside. They are everywhere; our communities and our kids are not safe from them. The only happy camper is the dealer. [continues 211 words]
Re: "Pot crusade costs man his marriage," John Gradon, Opinion, Dec. 5. Marijuana should be legal. A thorough investigation will prove it beyond any reasonable doubt. Marijuana laws have disrupted and destroyed many individuals and families, unjustly. They take cars, homes, properties, money, children and freedom, but the one thing they cannot take is love. Hold on to that. Sandy Cote, Toledo, Ohio [end]
Regarding "Pot RX: Will Ohio Ever Legalize Medical Marijuana?" (11/19): The answer is yes. It's unavoidable. Even though our federal government has had a stranglehold on this medical research over the past several decades, studies showing the positive side to marijuana's medicinal effects are emerging all over the world. We will not continue to deny the sick, nor will we continue to deprive ourselves of higher education. However, with a "Republican-dominated state legislature, and a governor and first lady with a slant against illegal drug use during a presidential election year," the real question is "When?" (By the way, does being a Republican, governor or first lady during a presidential election year really mean they would not likely go with the flow?) Sandy Cote Co-Founder Ohio Marijuana Party Political Action Committee Toledo [end]
It amazes me that an opponent of medical marijuana even exists. Marijuana has been documented as an effective medicine for centuries. It was banned against the recommendation of the American Medical Association and 35 states have since passed legislation recognizing its medicinal value, regardless of the federal government's stranglehold on research of the same. Reports from the 15th century, talk about the use of cannabis to ease the symptoms of epilepsy. Modern reports show it may even prevent seizures. It's not even American to tell the sick that studies show it's beneficial to their ailments, but they can't have it; and if they try to help themselves to feel better, we will take their freedom and maybe even their finances, homes or automobiles. [continues 99 words]
This is in regards to the article, ("Man says pot was medicine," Oct 30). When study after study finds cancer chemotherapy patients demonstrate a positive response to marijuana, how can we punish a suffering individual for trying to help him or herself feel better? Sandy Cote, Toledo [end]
Regarding "Prospects Don't Look Good For Medical Marijuana Statute" (The NEWS, Oct 16): Medical science shows that marijuana is beneficial to a number of very serious illnesses. It is only harming Americans by banning the plant. We cannot advance our education without it. We cannot fight illness without education. And, it is just plain cruel to force law-abiding Americans who are sick to break the law to get a treatment that has been proven beneficial to their ailments. Poll after poll shows depriving the sick of marijuana is not the desired choice of Americans. So, who is representing Americans? Depriving the sick is the choice of some politicians, and it's time for each and every one of them to be held accountable. Medical marijuana will become an accepted part of our society. And Ohio does not deserve to be "a long way" from legislation that benefits all mankind. Sandy Cote, co-founder Toledo [end]
This letter is regarding your editorial of Sept. 15 titled "More police are needed to fight crack epidemic." The crack epidemic is extended across our nation. What once was a nice country is an open market for dangerous drugs and dealers. Police have been using too much time enforcing a bad law. Research will show that marijuana is less harmful than alcohol. Imagine the police resources we would need if we arrested beer drinkers? We would need more police to fight crime. Research and a change in marijuana laws are the only possible ways to beat the crack epidemic. Sandy Cote Toledo, Ohio [end]
Speaking of the war on drugs ["Wars R Us," Sept. 11, City Weekly]: Years ago, I began my own war on drugs. Crack was hurting my community, friends and, in particular, a loved one. After quite a battle, I found I was powerless. I was repeatedly told I couldn't save them, but I couldn't give up no matter the toll it was taking. I turned to my government for help. Surely, they should have more power than I. They told me they were winning "the war on drugs" but, looking at my battle scars, I really couldn't believe them. [continues 261 words]
I respect state Rep Ken Carano's willingness to speak out for the sick who find marijuana beneficial to their illness. Like he said, "a lot of people won't touch it because they are worried their opponent will use it against them." These are the people who care more about politics than the people. However, he may have forgotten that the federally approved drugs given to suffering patients are much stronger than marijuana and will cause a person to appear "stoned." I hope he will continue his representation of the people and what they want instead of backing down because of what "the run-of-the-mill senator or state rep" can swallow. Sandy Cote [end]
Regarding "Fremont Man Claims Right To Grow Pot" (Sept. 5): When will they stop killing over a plant that has never killed? Our laws must be changed to save lives. Marijuana has, unlike alcohol, been an asset to our country throughout history. Our forefathers would be in shock if they saw what we have done. Sandy Cote Toledo, Ohio [end]
