RESPONSE TO OFFICIAL

I am ashamed that we are paying Dr. Andrea Barthwell to lie to us. A doctor
should honestly know the truth about such a simple subject.

The plain truth is that cannabis has not killed one person in the 5,000
years of its use. It is less addictive that cigarettes, and it is less
mind-altering than alcohol. Why should it be so surprising that the plant,
cannabis sativa, could be so medically beneficial when so may
pharmaceutical drugs are derived from plants? It is because we have been
told for more than 70 years that marijuana, the flower of cannabis, is a
dangerous drug that will ruin lives.

If cannabis were legalized, many jobs that depend on processing marijuana
laws offenders would be lost. If cannabis were legalized, not one drug lord
would make another penny from selling it. Because drug dealers don't ask
for I.D., children find it easier to buy marijuana than beer.

If a person is concerned about children ruining their lives, please let
them focus their argument on alcohol and homemade meth.

Melanie Marshall,

Jacksonville Beach