MARIJUANA SHOULD BE A PERSONAL MATTER

RE: "NO to pot ticketing," May 3 by Michael Jenkinson. First, let me say
that editorials are about opinions and the transfer of information. With
this in mind, let me say I completely agree with his statement that society
is generally confused about the pot issue. I believe this is due to
misinformation.

For instance, you take the stance that marijuana is a gateway drug. This is
what governments were saying a dozen years ago. However, it has been proven
and accepted that cigarettes are the gateway drug. You see, a pot smoker
may have four or five puffs on a joint once a month to once a day.

A cigarette smoker on the other hand will have about 15 puffs per
cigarette, about 25 times a day. That translates as a whopping 375 hits per
day. This steady consumption of an addictive substance is what makes
cigarettes the gateway drug. To clarify my stance on marijuana, I'm not
saying, "Let's all get high." I would no sooner say that than, "Hey, let's
all get drunk." I'm saying marijuana, along with other life choices, should
be a personal matter.

Dean Troyer

(That's one view of the matter.)