OUTSIDER RIPS POT PROPONENTS

I have been reading some of the national coverage on the debate of Question
9 in Nevada, legalizing the use and possession of certain amounts of
marijuana. Wow, Sin City at new levels. I was surprised that the initiative
came about, but I am more surprised at some of the debate.

Admittedly, I am not a resident of your state. However, legalizing a drug
that alters people's judgment, impairs their abilities, and can cause
long-term effects ranging from sterility to permanent memory loss makes
little sense. Many argue that its effects are no different than those of
alcohol, and alcohol is legal. What sense does that make? Controlling
people's use or abuse of alcohol often challenges society, so let's give
them another potentially dangerous substance and see how they handle it?

That said, I wish Nevada good luck in making this decision. The review of
the material I have seen does not seem to show references to any of the
following: When is a person considered legally impaired by marijuana?
Alcohol has set levels. How will police test a driver considered under the
influence? How will repeat offenders be dealt with? What about children and
contact highs. What is the control over their exposure when selling
marijuana in coffee shops? What is the acceptable length of time from when
one uses marijuana until they can drive a public bus, fly a plane, and
operate on a patient?

Good luck, Nevada.

David Bahler

Miami