Published LTE: MARIJUANA IS NOT A THREAT TO THE COMMUNITY

 I am writing in response to Sarah Reyes’ column, “Heads vs. Feds lights fresh debate.” As a police officer who worked the trenches of marijuana prohibition and the war on drugs for 18 years, I believe intoxicants should not be judged by their effects, but by their threat to the community. During my entire police career, I was sent on zero calls generated by the use of marijuana. Compared to the extremely dangerous drug, alcohol, I found very little harm associated with marijuana.

The police should return to their historic role of public safety, not personal safety. If you have a drug problem, see a doctor and a clinic – not a cop and a jail.

Howard Wooldridge detective/officer ( retired ) drug policy specialist Citizens Opposing Prohibition   

Published on March 1, 2010 in the The Daily Evergreen, (Washington State U)

 http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n158/a04.html?397