Sunday Dialogue

WHEN MARIJUANA IS USED AS MEDICINE.

Contrary to the conclusions stated as fact by Mr. Evans:

Marijuana is not addictive.

Studies by the Department of Transportation show that marijuana use
does not cause more automobile accidents.

Many people in treatment programs for marijuana are there because
courts send them there as an alternative to incarceration; most
judges know that people shouldn't be jailed for smoking pot.

The vast majority of state medical marijuana laws were promulgated by
legislatures, analyzed and affirmed by courts, and based on the
advice of medical organizations representing the opinions of tens of
thousands of physicians.

But, for the sake of argument, let's say everything Mr. Evans says is
true. What is he suggesting? Another 50 years of marijuana
prohibition? It hasn't worked; it's now easier for children to buy
pot than to buy beer. And billions of dollars are spent going after
pot smokers instead of violent criminals.

GREG ANTON

Santa Rosa, Calif., Dec. 14, 2011