PUBLIC SHOULD WAIT FOR PROOF THAT SUPPORTS I-692

Since 1992 the facts are that public concern for marijuana has decreased
and teenage usage has increased. Research by the National Institute on Drug
Abuse as well as the National Institutes of Health show clear and
convincing evidence that marijuana causes "amotional syndrome," which is
characterized by "decreased drive and ambition, impaired communication
skills and a diminshed effectiveness in interpersonal relationships." These
the same background factors that are associated with those who commit
violent criminal acts. These the same background factors that educators say
are impeding our youth to receive a good education. What does it take for
us to make the connection between marijuana use and societal ills?

The question before us in Initiative 692 this election is not whether we
have compassion for someone who is terminally ill but whether marijuana
should be a considered a medicine with loosely regulated controls? Our
society, like many civilized societies, has until now utilized research,
scientific evidence and a recognized body of experts to determine what is
appropriate medicine for a particular ailment. We have come a long way from
the days of the medicine man hawkster who would sell his homemade remedy
(using either alcohol or cocaine as a main ingredient) on the street corner
without a license -- or have we?

Before we attempt to answer the medicine questions, we should understand
the historical perspective of why this initiative. And why now? For as long
as time can remember, there has been a political movement to legalize all
illicit drugs. Financial backers of this movement have even raised $20
million to discredit law enforcement as being ineffective on the "war on
drugs," incorrectly stating that the prisons are filled with
marijuana-users so there is no room for violent criminals.

Please consider the facts. From 1960 to 1980 (a period of high drug use)
drug incarceration fell 374 percent. Murders increased 100 percent,
robberies 318 percent. Drug use among teens climbed more than 500 percent.
Now consider the facts from 1980 to 1995. Drug incarceration rates rose 447
percent. The murder and robbery rates declined. High school drug use went
down a third.

While these statistics are not perfect, they do prove that law enforcement
efforts have become more effective in recent years. From a more local
perspective, I will freely admit that as a law enforcement officer of 27
years here in the Puget Sound area we have only begun to touch the surface
on the drug underground. Drug task forces did not become a reality until
1988 but since that time we have become very effective with their use.

Now for the medicine question: Should marijuana be considered a medicine?
Certainly not from what we know at this point. But who's to say that
perhaps some time in the future research may prove differently.

There are respected medical professionals who believe that marijuana may
have medical benefits and respected medical organizations who have called
for more medical research related to the benefits of marijuana. This is
warranted and should be the public policy expectation, not a vote of a
sympathetic electorate who are prone to believe a $20 million one-sided
publicity campaign.

More should be expected. Lt. Gov. Brad Owen has wisely called for a
six-point plan to protect the public's health. Legitimate proposals to test
the medical efficacy of smoked marijuana should include:

1. Legal immunity for the state.

2. Legitimate scientific research first.

3. Limited conditions of use, not just "serious illness" which has a broad
meaning.

4. Use only when proven medications have failed.

5. A safe product with defined channels of distribution.

6. Education. Not a $20 million campaign to discredit law enforcement, give
false facts and provide false hope.

During the recent political campaign in Arizona and California, teen-age
use of marijuana increased by 6 percent, according to a poll conducted by
the Partnership for Drug Free America. In the poll, teens stated, "I hear
more and more talk about legalizing marijuana." That, experts say, reduces
the teens' "perception of great risk." To me, this poses much greater harm
to our children and the future of our country.

My mother died of cancer in 1977. Unless you have experienced the pain,
there is no way you can say, "I know how you feel." I would have done
anything to reduce my mother's suffering. My mother never did meet my
daughter, who is now 8 years old. But I do know my mother would have never
stood for anything that would jeopardize my daughter's hope for a bright
future.

This is not an issue of compassion. Vote no! Let's wait for science and
proper research by experts to determine what ought to be medicine and what
should not. Thank you for taking the time to educate yourself on this
important issue.

John Turner is chief of police for the city of Mountlake Terrace.

Checked-by: Pat Dolan