MARIJUANA ON STATE BALLOT

Although Cindy Rodriguez admits that the moderate use of cannabis by
adults is in many ways a safer alternative to alcohol, she nonetheless
argues against Amendment 44 - the Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization
Initiative - because she believes that pot is inappropriate for
children. In fact, there are many activities in our society that are
permissible for adults but forbidden for children, such as riding
motorcycles, skydiving, drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco. However,
we do not condone arresting adults who responsibly engage in these
activities in order to dissuade adolescents from doing so. Nor should
we justify arresting adult cannabis smokers on the grounds of sending
a message to children.

Paul Armentano, Senior Policy Analyst, NORML, Washington, D.C.