MARY JANE IS NOT TO BLAME

I just read your recent column on legalizing pot with interest (Boomer With
Attitude: "High time to decriminalize pot" by John Grooms, Aug. 6). I must
say that I don't share your feelings regarding your friend's son. It is of
course a tragedy that a young life is affected in this manner.

But rather than blaming the law, the young man himself should bare the
majority of the blame (I know that personal accountability is not a
popular concept). After his first offense, this educated young man
clearly knew the consequences of his actions.

He either has extremely poor judgement or has an addiction. Whatever
his problem, he needs to deal with it now. It will manifest itself in
other areas of his life.

Regarding legalizing pot, there is little debate as to the physical
harm and long term negative effects of the drug. The fact that "it is
not as bad" as other legal substances (meth was legal at one time) is
not a rational argument to legalize it. I have seen the ravaging
effects of drug use and making it more accessible is not the answer.

I do agree with you regarding the medicinal use of the drug. It is
outrageous that people that could be helped (with the effects of
chemo, etc.) are denied access.

This should be done under the care of a physician. Thanks for
providing the platform this important issue.

KEITH SHARPE