Q&A: MUCH DEBATE ABOUT LEGALITY OF MARIJUANA

This Week's Question: Is Relaxing Rules On Marijuana Good For California?

POLICE WASTED ON POT CRIME

I get the impression, after all these years of its use, that
marijuana is considered about on the same level of infraction as
drinking alcohol. Done inappropriately - in the wrong time or wrong
place - its overuse could cause injury to self or others.

If that is a correct conclusion, why should it not be treated as
alcohol is - available, taxed, with legal penalties for improper use?
This would bring in added revenue and relieve our police of much
work, leaving them time to fight criminals who are actually doing us harm.

As a matter of fact, this old lady has come to the conclusion that
our laws should focus only on behaviors that are harmful to the
public. That would eliminate the policing of purchased sex and allow
marriages of whomever.

EVELYN CATRON

Sylmar

TAX POT AND GANGS LOSE

I do not use pot, alcohol or tobacco. If I had to choose one, I would
choose pot, as it is the least damaging to me or society. I see no
reason to continue William Randolph Hearst's campaign against it for
his profit. Let's get the benefit of regulating and taxing it, as it
can solve much of our deficit! Take the money away from the gangs.

RICHARD W. SENSEMAN

Van Nuys

LAW NEEDS TO BE REWORKED

What do you have to do to get the coveted medical Advertisement
marijuana card? Have money and work the system. Our children are very
creative when necessary, involving whoever and whatever they need to
get what they want.

Please explain just what is a "serious medical condition." This term
is used very loosely. California legislators need to go back to the
drawing board and give the citizens of California legislation that
works for families, instead of deteriorating the very core of this
great state. We are missing out on tax revenue in case anybody is
paying attention.

JUDITH SOYSTER

Woodland Hills

LET THE STATES DECIDE ON POT

It's long seemed more logical to have decisions on medical marijuana
dispensaries made by the individual states, as the states can base
decisions on what their own constituencies want, or don't want. For
the federal government to try and enact a one-size-fits-all decision
for all 50 states flies in the face of reason.

It does seem to me that medical marijuana should be prescribed only
when all other attempts to find a medical solution to health issues
have been exhausted. In cases of life-threatening and/or terminal
illness, the decision to prescribe marijuana should be made only by a
state-licensed and reputable doctor.

To prescribe its use for lesser ailments that could be treated with
pain management, physical therapy, etc., would be tantamount to
legitimizing the use of marijuana for all citizens. And that's an
entirely different issue.

ELLIE DOUD

Van Nuys

OUTLAW BEER, DECRIMINALIZE POT

I totally agree with the change in policy regarding medical
marijuana. However, I don't think it should stop there. Numerous
lives are destroyed every day by alcohol. It's considered sociable
and generates tax dollars.

I have smoked pot before, and I've never heard of someone dying
because the other driver was smoking pot or died of liver failure
because of pot. Enough of the old thinking already. Make alcohol
illegal because it kills and just let the pot smokers be mellow.

ROD ALMS

West Hills

via Dailynews.com

FREE UP JAIL FOR REAL CRIMINALS

I think marijuana should be legalized, but not just in California.
There is a lot of money that can be made, especially in California.
They would be able to let go all of the offenders that are in prison
or jail for possession, and stop using our tax dollar to board them.
That would make room for all the violent offenders.

DIANA RUIZ

Las Vegas, Nev.

via Dailynews.com

TRULY "MEDICAL" MARIJUANA OK

Though not an advocate for pot, I am in favor of it being
administered in a doctor's office only when needed for medical use,
so it can be well monitored - not in the hands of users to get high.

BEVERLY HEAP

Valley Village