MARIJUANA SHOULD NOT BE LEGALIZED

I'm writing in response to a recent letter to the editor ["We should
regulate and tax marijuana, as with alcohol," Aug. 24].

Kirk Muse suggests that we should "regulate, control, and tax the sale and
production of marijuana and sell it in licensed business establishments
like we do with tobacco." I have to disagree.

Is there really an option of controlling the distribution of marijuana? I
don't think I want my fellow teenagers driving under the influence of
marijuana, as they do with alcohol. Putting an age limit on a drug or drink
doesn't control youth from getting hold of it.

Legalizing marijuana for nonmedical purposes shows our youth that it's OK
to get high, once you're old enough. Although I'm only 13 years old, and
don't have the experiences of my elders, I can see the flaws in Mr. Muse's
idea.

The only thing legalizing marijuana would produce is more bloodshot eyes.

Colby DeMarco

Orange