MARIJUANA MEASURE LACKS SENSE

There are signs up around the state that read: Make Colorado Safer.
Yes on 44. We can't argue about safety, but we're voting no on
Amendment 44. The initiative proposes a change to the Colorado
statutes that legalizes the possession of less than an ounce of
marijuana for adults 21 years old and older.

The "safer" on the signs is actually an acronym for the group -- Safer
Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation -- that collected signatures to
get this proposal in front of voters this month. The supporters of the
amendment say that marijuana is a safer alternative to alcohol and
those who are old enough should be able to use the drug legally.

Decriminalizing pot sends the wrong message to kids. The amendment is
basically saying that it's OK to use this particular drug and we don't
think it is. And if passed, there is no doubt that marijuana would
become more readily available to youngsters.

Another state has seen the ill effects of legalizing the drug. In
1975, the Alaska Supreme Court ruled that the state couldn't interfere
with an adult's possession of marijuana -- essentially a green light
for personal use. And in 1988, a University of Alaska study revealed
that the state's 12- to 17-year-olds used marijuana at more than twice
the national average for the age group. Alaskans voted to
recriminalize the drug in 1990.

We simply cannot support legislation that would most likely increase
the availability and use of marijuana in Colorado's children.

Frankly, if supporters of Amendment 44 are looking for a safer
alternative to alcohol, we suggest sobriety.