Pubdate: Mon, 02 Aug 2010
Source: Bozeman Daily Chronicle (MT)
Copyright: 2010 The Bozeman Daily Chronicle
Contact:  http://bozemandailychronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1686
Author: Mark Jackson

MARIJUANA, ALCOHOL REALLY NO DIFFERENT

The Chronicle's recent opinion piece about medicinal marijuana [July 
25] compelled me to write. I feel the media is cooking up pretend 
outrage about the issue because it's election season.

I think there is a double standard being applied that is unfair. 
First, when I voted for the law in 2004, I knew this would be the 
result. You'd have to be naive to pretend otherwise. Why did I vote 
in favor of medical marijuana? Not for any medical reason. I knew it 
was the only way under current law that innocent people would find some safety.

I do not believe that marijuana is an offense worthy of our justice 
system. There has been a stir because 20-year-olds get a card for 
chronic pain. First, are we so quick to judge others, without 
knowledge of the situation, based solely on age? I know a couple of 
people in their 40s who have gotten a card simply because they could.

Then there is the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder. With 
recent changes at the VA, we will see a lot of soldiers acquiring 
cards for PTSD, which is arguably an ambiguous diagnosis. Will people 
be so quick to point the finger at these card-carrying veterans in 
the "20-something" age bracket?

The fear of marijuana and recent nail-biting from our public 
officials is ridiculous. I believe that marijuana should be subject 
to the same laws as alcohol. There is really no difference. You 
shouldn't be inebriated and driving, or even stumbling down the 
sidewalk. Public intoxication is not OK, but what you do in the 
privacy of your own home is your business.

Mark Jackson

Bozeman
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart