TAKING ISSUE WITH CRITICS, JUSTICES ON POT

I was extremely dismayed by the colorful photos of marijuana used
throughout this article. As a junior high English teacher, I have used
newspapers in the classroom to teach students how to read and navigate the
news. We have talked about the use of photos and their eye-catching and
persuasive influence. It looks as though your newspaper is telling youth
that marijuana is a run-of-the-mill drug that anyone should use. It is not.
It is addicting, mind-altering and unhealthy.

I was also disheartened by the casualness and outspokenness of the owners
of local dispensaries about their involvement with an illegal drug. I do
not like the notion that dispensary owners plan to continue operating and
expanding their dispensaries in my community. Marijuana is a cash crop and
these dispensaries will be a target for crime. My community does not need a
"business" that attracts a criminal element.

KATRINA PREECE Oceanside