CANNABIS MESSAGE MUST CHANGE

Dear Editor of The Herald,

Another beneficial component of re-legalizing cannabis (marijuana)
that doesn't get mentioned (Grass Could Bring In Governmental Green,
Mar. 12, 2009) is that it will lower hard drug addiction rates.

DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) will have to stop brainwashing
youth into believing lies, half-truths and propaganda concerning
cannabis, which creates grave future problems.

How many citizens try cannabis and realize it's not nearly as harmful
as taught in DARE type government environments? Then they think other
substances must not be so bad either, only to become addicted to
deadly drugs.

The old lessons make cannabis out to be among the worst substances in
the world, even though it's less addictive than coffee and has never
killed a single person.

The federal government even classifies cannabis as a Schedule I
substance along with heroin, while methamphetamine and cocaine are
only Schedule II substances.

For the health and welfare of America's children and adults that
dangerous and irresponsible message absolutely must change.

Further, regulated cannabis sales would make it so citizens who
purchase cannabis would not come into contact with people who often
also sell hard drugs which would lower hard drug addiction rates.

Truthfully,

Stan White

Dillon, Colorado