MARIJUANA HARDLY THE ULTIMATE EVIL

It utterly amazes me that so much of the American public actually believes
that marijuana is some horrible scourge on our population. The thing that
strikes me most is that alcohol is legal and completely acceptable, but
marijuana is not. Even an irresponsible alcohol user is generally looked
upon more favorably than a perfectly responsible marijuana user.

How many people have died from a marijuana overdose throughout all of human
history? Zero. It is physically impossible to kill yourself by smoking too
much weed. Alcohol overdoses kill about 4,000 people each year. These are
just straight alcohol overdose deaths. Another 17,000 people die yearly from
alcohol-related traffic accidents. It is absolutely ludicrous to even
suggest this, yet very few people believe that alcohol should be
criminalized.

The measures proposed in Nevada would significantly reduce the dangers of
marijuana. Potency and purity would be regulated, crime associated with
marijuana dealers would be eliminated, and it would be much more difficult
for minors to obtain.

If the public could look past government scare tactics and see the real
facts, anyone with any intelligence would agree that the current laws
regarding marijuana are ridiculous.

Jennifer Bliek Sophomore
Biology