LEGALIZING POT

Marijuana Use Is Illegal for a Reason

Christopher Bingham criticizes the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force
for "cutting down the local pot harvest" ("Legalizing pot is a much
better idea," Sept. 15) and presents the same old worn-out reasons for
legalizing marijuana that appear in the media several times each year.
In making his case for selling marijuana in state-run stores,
generating tax revenue from sales, and (can you believe it?) creating
jobs in those stores for people now considered to be criminals for
growing and selling the substance, Mr. Bingham conveniently fails to
acknowledge and address the inherent dangers to individuals, families
and communities.

I have been a chemical dependency and mental health professional for
20 years and have witnessed first-hand the horrors of marijuana abuse
and dependence. I have seen too many people damaged by marijuana use.
Studies consistently list tolerance, physical dependence,
psychological dependence, impaired driving ability, panic reactions,
effect on lung function, and behavioral, motivational and memory
impairments as concerns for those (male and female) who smoke
marijuana. It is true that some studies have been challenged by
various professionals and, not surprisingly, by many users. However,
there can be no doubt that some problems can and do occur with
marijuana use and that the severity of the problems significantly
outweigh any benefit, real or imagined, that legalization would provide.

ROY L. SYKES

Everett