COMMENTS ON IMPACT OF MARIJUANA AS FLAWED AS PROHIBITION

One of the worst things a person in any position of responsibility can
do is to misrepresent facts. Carmen Ambrosino does so in the Feb. 16
commentary.

The only part of the commentary that I found remotely linked to the
truth is probably the costs cited. Otherwise, the rest of the article
is filled with inaccuracies and distortions.

Ambrosino's main thesis is that marijuana is illegal because there is
no medical reason to use it, and because it is a cause for "increased
gun violence, child abuse, sexual promiscuity, crimes against the
elderly, etc." If a person is suffering terminal cancer or HIV/AIDS,
who are we to say that they cannot use marijuana to relieve their
suffering and provide them the escape from nausea and sustain life a
little longer without pain?

Ambrosino cites increased emergency room visits due to marijuana. This
information is, more than likely, based on medical histories, not on
the actual events.

Yes, there is a potential that marijuana may increase depression,
paranoia, and schizophrenia, but then again, maybe that's the
personality of the user.

As a police officer for a number of years, I never once had a case in
which somebody high on marijuana committed a violent crime. The same
cannot be said for alcohol. Yet, alcohol is freely available to anyone
of age and with enough money.

The issue of drug violence, which ties directly into gun violence, is
the insane prohibition we have on drugs. When illegal goods are being
sold at high prices, those who wish to risk it all for money are more
than willing to use violence to protect their illegal business. Drugs
should not be considered a criminal issue; rather they are a social
disease to be treated.

Abolish stupid drug laws. Focus on education and treatment. Use
cigarette smoking as an example. I'm sure that the money spent on
education and treatment will be more effective, cost taxpayers less,
and provide for a greater society than our current failed policies.

James S. Peet, Ph.D.

Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP)

Dallas, Texas