TIME TO BACK OFF FROM DRUGS AS CRIME

The Nevada Supreme Court is right in recommending the reduction from felony
to a misdemeanor for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Washoe
District Attorney Dick Gammick's remark that marijuana is a "gateway to
other drugs, and a first step toward other crimes," is simply not true.
Marijuana does not lead to other drugs; nor is it an addictive substance
that causes people to commit burglaries and theft to support the habit.

These statements by the police and prosecutors are nothing more than
propaganda meant to justify the cruel and unusual penalties levied by the
state of Nevada. The decriminalization of marijuana would have a positive
effect on society by removing this herb from the control of the criminals
who sell drugs like crack cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, LSD, etc. God
created marijuana. It is a seed-bearing herb, not a chemical substance
mixed in secret labs such as those that do cause addiction and abuse.

It is time to recognize the difference!

- -Trey Halatom, Reno (via e-mail)

I'm writing in response to Richard Cohen's column on drug policy.

I couldn't agree more! Our hard-line drug policy is a farce.

At its point of origin, intentions were good. We needed to get drugs off
the streets, so let's scare offenders with stiff jail sentences. As well
meaning as this concept was, it was born of ignorance. These offenders are
not criminals but sick people controlled by their addictions who cannot see
anything past getting their next fix, let alone the consequences. Don't
think I'm condoning those who break other laws such as driving drunk, theft
or violent crimes.

Dues for those types of crimes must be paid. But do the justice system and
our legislators truly believe that by locking a user up they are really
stopping their use? That idea is absurd! Clogging up our prison systems
with users is doing nothing but causing more problems. Not only does the
drug use continue, the offender comes away with one of two mentalities: 1)
The consequences aren't so bad; I get fed, housed and clothed while I used
drugs. Or 2) A life of crime is all I have left as a convicted felon. Who
are we really helping?

Sadly, no one.

- -Becci Morgan, Reno