LOOK AT FACTS: KEEP POT ILLEGAL

I would like to ask Alaskans to vote no on the proposition to decriminalize
marijuana. I am a master's-level counselor with 10 years' experience in
drug treatment in Alaska. Consider these facts:

The last time marijuana was decriminalized, teen drug use and addiction in
Alaska more than doubled. It has never returned to pre-decriminalization
levels.

Marijuana is a depressant chemical. Users increase risk for depression and
suicide, and Alaska already has one of the highest teen suicide rates in
the U.S.

Marijuana is physically and psychologically addictive. It is the No. 2 drug
that people seek treatment for nationwide. Young people often don't
perceive the effect that pot has on them. They get addicted without even
realizing it.

Short-term memory damage caused by pot has been documented since the 1960s.
Kids need their memory!

Marijuana reduces motivation, making it difficult for young people to apply
themselves to activities, school and grades, and family activities.

We cannot expect our kids to avoid using drugs if we, as a community, are
using drugs, condoning drug use by voting yes on decriminalization, or by
not voting. We owe it to our children to be counted!

Michelle Overstreet, Wasilla