Pubdate: Sat, 30 Nov 2013
Source: Concord Monitor (NH)
Copyright: 2013 Monitor Publishing Company
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/WbpFSdHB
Website: http://www.concordmonitor.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/767
Author: Sean Morrill

POOR ARGUMENTS AGAINST LEGALIZING POT

Tricia Lucas's arguments against legalizing marijuana don't hold up 
("A serious risk to public health," Monitor Forum, Nov. 20).

Lucas says marijuana may be addictive. Can you define this? Does this 
mean a person who has ingested marijuana has done so once again that 
day, or possibly once again in their lifetime? There is no evidence 
that marijuana is physically addictive.

She writes about the increased potency and TCH content of modern 
marijuana. But many varieties of marijuana are bred with the intent 
of decreased THC in order to provide the medical benefits of other 
compounds in marijuana, such as increased metabolism, increased 
cellular uptake of insulin and decreased seizure activity.

Lucas's third point, on increased youth access, is not valid, 
considering that almost 30 percent of young adults in New Hampshire 
already use marijuana. They already have access. Perhaps regulation 
would decrease youth access by diminishing its taboo.

Her fourth point, on legalization creating a commercial enterprise, 
sounds good to me. Take this enterprise away from the black market 
where violence and darkness prevails.

This would create legitimate jobs and increased tax revenue on a 
product millions of Americans use frequently.

Lucas argues the price of marijuana would go down. This is not 
accurate unless she possesses a crystal ball and can tell the future. 
Recently Colorado enacted a 25 percent tax on this product. Sounds 
like a good strategy to me. How about a 50 percent tax in New Hampshire?

Her last point, on the social impact of marijuana, is irrelevant as 
it is already being used nationwide despite its illegal status. It is 
only imprisoning our loved ones and weighing down our judiciary system.

Legalizing marijuana will create jobs and massive tax revenue. Let's 
take the money away from the black market and put it to good use.

SEAN MORRILL

Penacook
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom