Disagreement is in order with Dwight Moller and Mark Wallis (Letters, Acorn, July 27).
Marijuana is most definitely not a gateway drug. In fact, I say it’s not a drug at all but an ancient and useful plant that has the capability of alleviating pain, nausea (particularly associated with chemotherapy), anxiety and depression.
No one gets hooked on marijuana; it’s not addictive. Some people have addictive personalities and can become dependent on anything—tobacco, alcohol, food, sex, TV, etc.
Our Founding Fathers grew and used both hemp and marijuana. Hemp was once a backbone of our agricultural economy. Most likely your shoelaces and other garments were made from hemp during World War II.
The pharmaceutical industry opposes legalization because the use of marijuana would cut into their profits from prescription drugs.
Hemp is now illegal because of lobbyists from the lumber and plastic industries.
There’s absolutely no sound or sensible reason that these ancient plants have been criminalized. As for health issues, tobacco is legal and has far more adverse effects.
Alcohol, also legal, is responsible for a staggering amount of violence, while marijuana users are, in general, peaceful, happy and docile.
The only problem I see with legalization is the government being involved in the growing of marijuana and inundating the plant with noxious and harmful chemicals. This has already been noted.
Marijuana is not the evil substance you seem to think it is. Its use does not cause people to crave heroin, crack, illicit prescription drugs, alcohol, etc.
Some people get the munchies, but it affects people in varying ways. Some become very relaxed and quiet, while others feel energetic, creative and productive.
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