DON'T REPLACE STATE BOOZE BIZ WITH POT

Recently Washington citizens voted the state out of the sale and
promotion of liquor. Many citizens and state legislators are working
toward harsher penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) and its
consequences. This is commendable. Now comes the insanity. Many
citizens now want to legalize marijuana and are working to place the
issue on the ballot.

Marijuana, with all of its documented controversies, which include
damage to the brain and other organs, chemical addiction and as much
or more damage to the lungs than cigarettes, is being looked at by
many as a way to raise state revenue. The use of marijuana, whether by
infrequent or frequent users, has lasting effects which may include
hallucinations and can last between 1 1/2 and up to 10 days or more
depending on the THC level in the marijuana. Other issues affected are
work, social, medical and intellectual and the cost of treatment when
the use causes serious life problems.

Can you imagine a marijuana user smoking on their break and then
returning to work using machinery or driving a forklift? Or a driver
behind the wheel of a vehicle even several hours after smoking
marijuana? Washington state law does not allow employees to be in the
workplace or to drive a vehicle under the influence of legal or
illegal drugs. When will common sense return? There is plenty of
information available. Please educate yourself on the issue and vote
from a base of knowledge.

Jim Tagart

Snohomish