WACKY WEED IDEA

In response to the July 20 Point of View piece by Ray Warren, I just
want to ask: Is he out of his mind?

Warren's opinion is that we should legalize marijuana and
systematically control the outlets that sell it, just like alcohol and
any other mind-altering substance. I can only imagine the new
possibilities of commerce and tax base for our state.

The tobacco products inhaled legally over the years have produced a
tremendous need for cancer care and cure. Gee, let us create yet
another recreational drug that people can smoke. This in turn will
cause people to become ill. Well, it would create more medical jobs
and industry. What would be the impact of legalizing marijuana? I
guess farmers would have a new cash crop. In fact this could redefine
what we mean by "farmer." Does growing marijuana in one's basement
constitute a farm? Ethically this is very sound thinking. The state
would now regulate a product known to exacerbate depression, lethargy
and other unproductive side effects. Hey, that means an increase in
mental health care for the good people of our state.

I watched my own father deteriorate from lung cancer. We lost years
together. It was not a pretty experience nor was it cheap to treat his
cancer. Legalize marijuana? This is a bad idea.

Nell Grimm

Lillington