LETTER UNDERSTATED MARIJUANA'S DANGERS

As a member of Mothers Against Marijuana (MAM), I would like to
correct the information in Andrew Vaino's Feb. 14 letter regarding
Proposition 215. Sixty-five percent of voters did not approve
Proposition 215. It was 56 percent, which means 44 percent of us did not.

I remember the media blitz in 1995 around Proposition 215. The
well-funded media campaign stated that Proposition 215 would allow
dying citizens to smoke or eat whatever makes them happy and
comfortable. This compelling argument entirely neglected to mention
who was really using marijuana - our youth and young adults, and who
was selling it - the rapidly growing cannabis club owners in Northern
California.

I remember my frustration over sad family stories regarding marijuana
use that were not receiving media attention. We couldn't match the
edgy rhetoric of Proposition 215, and we still can't.

The Board of Supervisors is standing up for me and other mothers who
know what a stoned teen looks like and the dangerous behavior that
happens while they are intoxicated. My own son suffered a horrific
bone fracture while under the influence of marijuana. Other Mothers
Against Marijuana members tell similar stories of serious accidents,
poor school performance and lack of motivation to either have a job
or be independent.

JILL SCOTT

San Diego