OPEN LETTER ON MARIJUANA LAWS

The following is an open letter to Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, whom I
have contacted many times during the past several years regarding marijuana
prohibition.

Mr. Boehlert believes individuals who use marijuana should be put in jail,
yet he cannot cite one credible scientific study to prove adults using
marijuana in the privacy of their own homes pose a threat to our society.
Furthermore, he refuses to answer basic questions about the marijuana issue,
such as:

* While society has a self-evident interest to discourage abuse, what is the
rationale for punishing a responsible adult using marijuana in the privacy
of his or her home?

* If you make a distinction the responsible use of alcohol is different than
its abuse, why can't you make the same distinction with marijuana?

* What specifically is wrong with legally treating marijuana like alcohol,
with similar age and use restrictions?

* Why specifically, when alcohol and tobacco are taxed and legal for adults,
is marijuana still illegal?

* Do you favor making alcohol illegal for adults to use in private?

And finally, last year nearly three quarters of a million Americans were
arrested for marijuana offenses, 87 percent for simple possession. The
overwhelming majority of these individuals were otherwise law-abiding
citizens who work hard, raise families, pay taxes and contribute to their
communities. How many more of these Americans would you be willing to arrest
before considering alternative policies?

Walter F. Wouk - president National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana
Laws