MARIJUANA USE CAN BE THE START OF OTHER ADDICTIONS

I want to remind former treasurer Jonathan Miler that marijuana is
often referred to as the "gateway" drug. This is because users who
first smoke it will often move on to bigger and "better" drugs to get
the high they long for - like OxyContin and meth.

Ask any recovering addict. Most started out using marijuana. How
could this be better for our state? We already have some of the
highest drug-abuse rates in the country.

Furthermore, how much more of the state's budget can we afford to
supplement drug-rehab centers? Legalizing marijuana would only
increase the need for more rehab centers. Most importantly though,
what about the negative effect drugs and addicts have on our
families? How will legalizing marijuana help the already-declining
home and family lives of Kentuckians?

Parents who smoke pot aren't tending to their children. They can't
teach the values and morals our children so desperately need to learn
and have modeled. The supposed economic boosts Miller said Kentucky
will gain from legalizing marijuana will never outweigh the social
consequences.

Paula Renee Connell

Williamsburg