Letter to the Editor: Decriminalize small amounts of marijuana via Initiative 502

Letter to the Editor:

There appears to be a good likelihood of WA State finally having at least one opportunity to decrease government regulation and wasting of taxpayer dollars – the decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana via Initiative 502 to the Legislature. Obviously there are is much propaganda that remains from the “Reefer Madness” culture which, unfortunately, still dominates even in the Obama White House with painfully trumped up “facts” (see recent statement by former Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske).

I would like to address a two common but short-sighted arguments made by those that want to continuing engaging in violence against peaceful human beings because of the flowers that they smoke – so we can finally move on to actually helping hungry children in Shoreline. First, "The Federal law trumps State law " argument is essentially in error. Here is why - most arrests are made by State/Local agents - NOT Federal agents. If the legislature passes this law – or if the forward it to the citizens - the State/Local agents will no longer be engaging in arresting peaceful WA citizens for possession of small amounts of marijuana. That is a BIG difference!! This law will definitely help. As a side point, the Legislature can add a Medical defense for the DUI limitation of the initiative which, admittedly, is somewhat defective.

Second, the “Marijuana is a Gate-way” drug argument is simply silly. Here is how you know. How many of your friends and colleagues in high school and college used cannabis? Ok, all of mine did – maybe 40 – 50 that I know of. How many went on to use heroin…. NONE!! Case closed. BTW – all my former “pothead” friends are now professionals and well employed. Using cannabis did not effect the motivation of those who are personally motivated.

Greg Logan

Shoreline