MISLEADING ARGUMENTS

John J. Coleman is correct that "Decriminalizing Marijuana Won't Help
Society," but not for the reason he thinks. Decriminalization keeps
control of marijuana in the hands of outlaws and prevents the
regulation that would lower teen use. So long as growing and selling
marijuana is illegal, there can be no civil control of the cannabis
market. The notion that marijuana prohibition is stopping anyone who
wants pot from getting it is a bigger delusion than any drug-induced
hallucination.

Legalizing marijuana for adult use will end the "drug crime"
associated with cannabis and save the country more than $14 billion
in reduced enforcement, court and incarceration expenses and
increased tax revenues.

After more than 70 straight years of reefer madness failure it's time
to end the lunatic war against pot.

Ralph Givens/Daly City, Calif.