|
|
Published February 10, 2008 09:47 pm - The letter by Dianne Slater (Globe, Jan. 31) is based more on a logical fallacy than actual scientific data on behavioral patterns of marijuana users. Naturally, critics of such a move warn that decriminalizing cannabis will increase pot use among Joplin’s young people. Such concerns, while understandable, are not supported by epidemiological evidence.
Voices: Unsupported criticisms
The letter by Dianne Slater (Globe, Jan. 31) is based more on a logical fallacy than actual scientific data on behavioral patterns of marijuana users.
Naturally, critics of such a move warn that decriminalizing cannabis will increase pot use among Joplin’s young people. Such concerns, while understandable, are not supported by epidemiological evidence. Passage of similar legislation elsewhere has not led to increased marijuana use or altered adolescents’ perceptions regarding the potential harms of drug use. In fact, the only U.S. government study ever commissioned to assess whether the enforcement of strict legal penalties positively impacts marijuana use found: “Overall, the preponderance of the evidence which we have gathered and examined points to the conclusion that decriminalization has had virtually no effect either on the marijuana use or on related attitudes and beliefs about marijuana use among American young people.”
Also, if anything contributes to sexual crimes it would be a legal drug, alcohol. Alcohol is the most commonly used chemical in drug-facilitated sexual assault. This is especially telling through the observation that many organizations dedicated to studying and educating about sexual assault do not list marijuana as a substance associated with incidents.
In addition, the gateway theory is a myth made up by prohibitionists to justify making something illegal that is less harmful than alcohol. According to the Institute of Medicine (in a report commissioned by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy): “There is no evidence that marijuana serves as a stepping stone (to other drugs) on the basis of its particular physiological effect.”
Let’s face it, the police have more important responsibilities than arresting around 240 people a year for marijuana possession in Joplin, especially given the added justice costs of disposing of each of these cases. Marijuana arrests make justice more costly and less efficient, clogging up court systems, and diverting time of police, attorneys, judges, and corrections officials away from violent crime, the sexual abuse of children, and terrorism.
Kelly Maddy
Campaign Director for Sensible Joplin
Joplin
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:
|
 |
|
REVETER WANTED
EXPERIENCED for brake manufacturing. Please apply in person at 3215 E. 20th, Joplin, MO. ...>MORE
OLIVE GARDEN
Now accepting applications Line Cooks, Dishwashers, and Lunch Servers Interviewing 2-4 p.m. Monday through Fr...>MORE
LIFEGUARDS
All shifts available, Apply in person at either Joplin Family Y location. www.joplinfamilyy.org....>MORE
LOCAL DRILLING COMPANY
needs a rock driller. Must have experience in hydraulics. Company vehicle provided. (417)662-7267...>MORE
MED TECH SUPERVISOR
Med TECH SUPERVISOR Excellent Salary and Benefits Apply in person or send resume: Nevada Medical Clinic Atte...>MORE
GROWING DENTAL PRACTICE
looking for experienced Dental Assistant. Computer knowledge a must. Resumes: 2710 Picher, Joplin, MO 64804. Deadline by...>MORE
NURSING PROGRAM COORDINATOR
for Crowder College in Cassville. Requires Master‚s in Nursing and two years of experience within the last five ye...>MORE
ACCOUNTANT
Local Construction firm needing full charge accountant, duties include general ledger, accounts receivable/billing, acco...>MORE
MEDICAL OFFICE
seeking Insurance Clerk. Coding experience required. Will pay for experience. Benefits. Send resume: Globe Box 94, 117 E...>MORE
LIFEGUARDS
all shifts available, Apply in person at either Joplin Family Y location. www.joplinfamilyy.org....>MORE
See all ads |
|
GMC, 2006
2500 4x4, regular cab/bed, 133,000 miles, $9850. (417)214-0022....>MORE
1957 CHEVROLET
2 door post, project, rust free Texas car, no motor or transmission, good Missouri title, $7500. Bob 417-781-1932 ...>MORE
1979 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
350 automatic, $5000 or trade consider. (620)230-0459...>MORE
1990 GMC HIGH SIERRA
short wide bed, 2 wheel drive, V-8, power windows/locks, air, CD, tinted windows, chrome wheels. $2,000 or best offer. (...>MORE
FORD 2001 ESCORT
FORD, 2001 Escort, 4 cylinder, automatic, good condition. $1800. (417)437-5682....>MORE
FORD 2000 1 TON
Ford, 2000 1 ton, 4X4, 6 speed, duals, flatbed, 7.3 diesel, $6800; 1998 Bucket truck, 55’ Altec. 417-358-8636, 483-9700....>MORE
LEXUS 2002 ES
LEXUS, 2002 ES 300, silver/gray leather, navigation, heated seats, second owner, 94,000 miles, $10,900. 620-856-2804, 41...>MORE
CHEVROLET 1997 TAHOE
CHEVROLET, 1997 TAHOE LT, 4X4, Maroon, air, excellent condition, leather seats, power everything, $2500 or best offer Pl...>MORE
LEHMAN TRIKE
LEHMAN TRIKE, 2007, excellent condition, rider has health problems. $20,500. Serious inquires only. (417)529-9554....>MORE
2005 HONDA SHADOW VLX 600
2,000 miles, color white, $3950. (417)673-3860....>MORE
See all ads |
|
HANDYMAN SPECIAL
Handyman Special, only $500 down, owner financing, 11% interest, $345/ month, priced at $23,900. 1120 W. 12th Street (41...>MORE
OWNER FINANCE
OWNER FINANCE. $650 down, $435 monthly. 201 N. Washington, Joplin, 3 BR, garage, Full price $32,500. 417-359-4113. ...>MORE
OPEN HOUSE
OPEN HOUSE 7/5/09 1:00-4:00 2281 sq. ft. Updated kitchen 4 br + bonus room 2 living areas Metal roof. Stapleton school ...>MORE
LAKE FRONT MOBILE
Lake Front Mobile Grove, OK 1972 14 X 46 1 Bedroom, 1 bath lake front mobile home weekend getaway. Complete with furn...>MORE
INVESTORS OR START-UP
INVESTORS OR START-UP 1217 Central. $67500 2 bedroom, 1 bath, very nice,room to build more. See more at homesbyowner.co...>MORE
OPEN HOUSE
405 Keeney Street, Carl Junction. Sunday July 12 • 2 p.m.-4 p.m. This home is owned by Carl Junction R-1 School Di...>MORE
2-3 BR
Basement, newly remodeled, oak cabinets, nice wood floors, privacy fence. $79,200. 2525 N. Ozark. (417)483-0900....>MORE
See all ads |
|
YORKIE-CHORKIE
Yorkie-Chorkie, 6 weeks, weight 12 oz. and up. 417-358-4202....>MORE
LAB MIX
black female, spayed, 3 years old, and 2 puppies, male/female, up to date vet care, $35 each. Refundable with proof of s...>MORE
AMPLIFIER
1953 Gibson BHR, $250. (417)437-9942....>MORE
PATTERN TORCH
Industrial, $500. (417)781-1932....>MORE
SHIH-TZU PUPPIES
$125 each; Shih-tzu adults free to a good home, (417)439-5568....>MORE
MALTIES PUPS
$150-$300; Yorkies, $300; Morkies-$200. 592-7827, leave message....>MORE
NASCAR
Indy Brick Yard 400, 7/26/09, 2 at $90. 417-483-1460....>MORE
24' BAJA OUTLAW
24’ BAJA Outlaw beautiful closed bow boat, 454 Mag, all options, excellent condition, low hours with 2005 trailer, $16,0...>MORE
ANTIQUE RADIO
ANTIQUE Radio; hanging lamps; china cabinet; carnival glass; Singer featherweight machine; 2 ladies and men diamond ring...>MORE
LOST: 10 YEAR OLD YELLOW LAB
Goldie has on a flea collar, lost 6/28 between Oak Grove and Tipton Ford. PLEASE call 417-438-2828....>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|