TIME HAS COME TO UPDATE DRUG LAWS

I understand that the initial knee-jerk reaction is negative to
legislation before the General Assembly regarding the reduction of
penalties for the possession of small amounts of marijuana. It stems
from the smokescreen of misinformation we have been inundated with by
the government and other interested parties who profit from the
continuing war on drugs.

But we must see through this smokescreen to the truth. By now, most of
us have either tried marijuana or know someone who has. We know from
experience that it is not the evil, harmful drug that it is purported
to be. In fact, it is significantly less harmful than many
prescription drugs out there.

Is it really worth the millions of state tax dollars spent each year
prosecuting otherwise law-abiding, contributing members of our
society? This isn't a war on drugs; it is a war against our families,
friends and neighbors, the consequences of which reverberate
throughout our society.

I urge readers to educate themselves with the facts provided by
objective sources and to then please contact our state lawmakers and
help make a change that is long overdue in a rational, free democracy.
It is time to see the smokescreen for what it really is.

Karen L. Evans

Beacon Falls