Pubdate: Thu, 31 May 2012 Source: Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ) Copyright: 2012 The Arizona Republic Contact: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/sendaletter.html Website: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24 Author: Harvey Turner PLEASE STOP MARIJUANA HYPOCRISY Marijuana is today's "demon rum." Obtaining it requires the commission of an illegal act -- sort of like the old Prohibition days. Who in his right mind would sanction a legal drug that messes up your brain, your liver, your nutrition, your immune system, your digestive system, etc. Oh! Wait a minute! That's alcohol, isn't it? Why don't we just cut the hypocrisy and treat marijuana like any other drug that has limited therapeutic effects. Have Big Pharma produce it under the scrutiny of our generally toothless Food and Drug Administration. The rule of law will be upheld, and another giant corporation will make even more millions pandering a generally useless product to gullible millions of consumers. Who knows? It might even be a job creator. - -- Dr. Harvey Turner, Scottsdale - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom