CANNABIS PLANT HAS MANY USES

It doesn't surprise me that Sarah Palin is worried about supporting
the legalization of cannabis, commonly called "marijuana," because she
fears the message it would send her five children ("Gregoire and Palin
have at least one thing in common," Enterprise, Jan. 21). I felt the
same way when I discovered a small bag of the plant in my son's
dresser drawer 30 years ago. And I worried about my four younger
children. At the time I, too, believed the tales of "reefer madness."

That all changed for me after I began reading the history of the
cannabis plant. What an education I got!

And I am still learning about the economic and environmental benefits
that would be forthcoming if we simply allowed the plant to be grown.
Besides medicine, we ought to be using the seeds for food and fuel,
and the fiber for clothing and construction materials -- just a few of
the numerous uses for the plant.

I understand the fears of these women and say educate yourselves.
There is nothing to fear except ignorance.

Jeanne M. Ferguson

Executive Director, Grammas for Ganja Organization
www.grammasforganja.org