DECRIMINALIZATION MUST NOT HAPPEN

I fail to find one good reason for decriminalizing marijuana.

J. A. Califano Jr., president of the National Centre on Addiction and
Substance Abuse, states that smoked marijuana adversely affects the immune
system and that its use for patients is a matter for physicians and
scientists to decide. It is a dangerous drug that impairs motor skills and
short-term memory, develops dependency, and can cause lung damage and harm
to a fetus. It is related to impaired driving and is a gateway drug leading
to harder drugs.

We have had experience with the legalization of alcohol and tobacco. They
become easy to obtain, their use became acceptable and their price was
lowered. Many who support the eventual legalization of cocaine, heroin and
other currently illegal drugs, propose decriminalizing marijuana as the
first step. It must not happen.

T. E. Thompson

(The public is divided.)