CANNABIS BAN VIOLATES COMMON SENSE

The prohibition of cannabis has persisted for many decades, the result
of undue pressure by corporate and government forces that rely on
false information and junk science. Public preferences are continually
usurped, and the bad situation grows worse. This has been evident in
recent opinion pieces printed in the News Tribune.

The results of marijuana prohibition are negative. We are decades
behind developing the potential medical value of cannabis products. We
are sacrificing incredible economic benefits afforded by industrial
hemp farming. We have inhumanely filled prisons with good citizens who
use cannabis for social and recreational purposes. This is not the
face of freedom and modernity. Let us remember that marijuana is not a
narcotic as U.S. law defines it. It is not addictive like crack or
heroin. It can be used to help treat true addiction, as well as
numerous other medical conditions. If doctors can be trusted to
prescribe morphine, they can handle cannabis. In countries where
cannabis is legal there is less use by children. Alcohol and tobacco
are much larger threats than cannabis. If we can regulate these
substances, managing cannabis should be a cakewalk.

David Hopkins

Duluth