REEFER AIN'T REAL LIFE

People who advocate the legalization of marijuana, such as William Dean
Hinton ("Is it time to decriminalize pot?" March 3 issue), always seem to
miss a major difference between marijuana and alcohol, with which they
often compare it. Physically, alcohol only directly affects those who
choose to use it. Marijuana is a mind-altering substance to which others
are exposed involuntarily by breathing the smoke.

Do we want children growing up in homes where their minds are altered by
second-hand marijuana smoke? Who is the designated driver among those who
attend a reefer party?

Not to say that alcohol consumption should be encouraged. Try getting a
real life. There is a lot to live for and be enjoyed with sobriety.

Richard Nordin

Des Moines