POT: MORE THAN A PLANT

I agree with the various letter writers and others who argue for
legalization or at least regulated use of marijuana, especially for
medical uses ["Club Pot Med," Aug. 16]. However, the "pot's just a
plant" argument is really silly. Peyote is "just a plant." Opium is
"just a plant," and heroin is not far removed. Same with cocaine.
There are many other plants that will kill you if you eat them, or
take too much of it. And then there's alcohol, which is "just
fermented plants"; it's one of the most destructive drugs in our society.

Just because a drug is "just a plant" is not a good reason for or
against its legalization or regulation. Whether or not and how much
its use is harmful to society, or its prohibition harmful to a class
of users, are legitimate criteria.

So please, drop the "just a plant" argument and debate the issue on
its merits.

Toby Thaler

Seattle