Pubdate: Mon, 22 Feb 2010 Source: Aurora Sentinel (CO) Copyright: 2010 Aurora Sentinel Contact: http://www.aurorasentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1672 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n117/a05.html Author: Stan White STOP DEMONIZING CANNABIS IN COLORADO As a Colorado Christian who voted to re-legalize medical use of cannabis for sick citizens, I believe The Aurora Sentinel got an arrow-splitting bull's eye with the editorial, "DEA Raid a Step in The Wrong Direction." Why is the relatively safe, God-given plant cannabis a Schedule I substance anyway? That dishonest federal status attempts to label cannabis as more dangerous than meth and cocaine. And the DEA believes it and gets paid to perpetuates that lie. Cannabis should be re-scheduled as a Schedule II or III substance. Doing so will help protect America's youth and lower addiction rates because truth will be taught regarding the plant. How many citizens tried cannabis and realized it's not nearly as harmful as the federal government says and then think other substances must not be so bad, either only to become addicted to very dangerous and honestly addictive drugs? Historically the DEA has not only failed America, it has increased drug usage, addiction rates, incarceration rates, crime and loss of freedom. The DEA is obsolete and is one area government can save money by abolishing the discredited department. STAN WHITE Dillon