LEGALIZATION HAS TOO MANY 'IFS'

I am surprised that state Rep. Sherry Appleton would be ready to
legalize marijuana when all she has are "ifs." "If it is commonly
used, if billions of dollars are changing hands, if it isn't as
harmful as the public's been led to believe, and a handful of
otherwise law-abiding people are being prosecuted compared to the many
who get away with it, marijuana should be legalized." First of all,
since when are the first two "ifs" an appropriate rationale for
legalizing a drug? Maybe we should make oxycontin an over-the-counter
drug?

The third "if" implies that the public has somehow been lied to.

By whom? Substance abuse researchers, counselors, scientists, the
government?

Why would they lie?

"A number of studies have shown an association between chronic
marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal
ideation, and schizophrenia. Some of these studies have shown age at
first use to be a factor, where early use is a marker of vulnerability
to later problems." ( http://www.drugabuse.gov/Infofacts/marijuana.html
) Let's not send the message to young people that self medication is
an acceptable way to get through the day.

According to the article a third of all college students and similarly
high school students reported using marijuana.

According to Department of Health, the percentage of high school
students who used marijuana declined from 8 percent in 2002 to 7
percent in 2005. (http://www.drugabusestatistics.samhsa.gov/NSDUH/2k5NSDUH/2k5results.htm#2.2)
The high school dropout rate is 30 percent. Has anyone studied the
rate of marijuana use among dropouts? Marijuana is a gateway drug!
Could this be the gateway to legalizing other drugs?

The last if is just as illogical, but I have reached my word limit.

Our legislators need to read and think about the research before
making laws.

Loretta Payne

Bremerton