MARIJUANA: TOO DANGEROUS TO LEGALIZE THIS GATEWAY DRUG

Re: Robert Sharpe's support for legalizing marijuana (letter, 2-15).

Brain scans of habitual marijuana users reflect significant damage.
The use of marijuana as an introductory drug often leads to the abuse
of more potently addictive drugs.

Marijuana is known to destroy one's ability to motivate oneself in
life. Family members and employers lose the ability to connect
positively with the lethargic, slower-responding mind of the
marijuana user.

Athletes like Michael Phelps with a history of ADHD are prime
candidates for addiction and more. Withdrawal of financial rewards is
appropriate for his failure to maintain role-modeling behavior.

If he learns a lesson, it may save him from a future life of
drug-induced pain inflicted on himself and others.

Sheila Marston

Fircrest