INSANE 'WAR ON DRUGS' SHOULDN'T TARGET THE USE OF MARIJUANA

I found Larry Evans' May 15 column ["Drug use casts long shadow"] to be
very interesting. He stated that recreational users of cocaine and heroin
are helping to perpetuate an illicit trade that causes a world of hurt. I
completely agree with his opinion, but I must comment on his omission of
marijuana - I'm glad he did.

I am neither a user nor an advocate of drugs. However, I do advocate the
legalizing of marijuana for medicinal purposes - as well as recreational
use - and would very much like to see farmers grow hemp in this state
because I feel that's a cash crop that could replace tobacco.

I won't go into all the rhetoric that supports my decision on the
legalization of marijuana, but I was glad to see the column didn't include
marijuana with the "hard" drugs. In my life alcohol has been a much more
deadly substance than marijuana.

I would much rather have my 22-year-old son take a few puffs on a joint
than drink beer or liquor, but - until our government ends this insane "War
on Drugs" - my son would be committing an illegal act.

Ellen Herndon Atkins, Mineral