LEGALIZE IT

A sane argument to perpetuate prohibiting, persecuting and
exterminating cannabis and hemp doesn't exist ("You and the drug war,"
Apr. 3). Another reason to end cannabis prohibition that doesn't get
mentioned is because it will lower deadly 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 keep citizens who purchase it
from coming into contact with people who often also sell hard drugs,
which would lower hard drug addiction rates.

Stan White

Online reader