A response from my state representative about legalization

This is what I originally sent

Sent: Sunday, January 17, 2010 2:33 PM
To: District81
Subject: Please Legalize Marijuana

Rep. Jeff Wagner
OH

Dear Representative,,

It is understood that while marijuana has been essentially illegal since 1937, the prohibition of this plant has not worked. There have been studies done that prove it has medical uses, if it didn't then the synthetic drug Marinol would not exist. It has also been proven that in recreational use it does less harm than alcohol.

Please look at how much our government spends on trying to fight something that is of no threat to our society. Realize how many other ways that money could be spent to make this a stronger country. Also, look into how much more money the country would make through taxation, as it does with alcohol and tobacco.

Don't be afraid to stand up and say this to your fellow politicians. We, your constituents, are asking you to do this for us and for our country.

Sincerely,

..........

this response ha

Thank you for your e mail about the legalization of marijuana. You make some good points in your e mail and there is a case to be made for some legalization, however there are also reasons for not legalizing its use. These include the impairment of a person's judgment and reflexes and the existence of less controversial drugs to deal with health issues. For many individuals, marijuana use is a step to dependency on harsher drugs and partial legalization for medical use would complicate drug enforcement against those who use it illegally. In years past I was involved with a ministry at my local jail in Seneca County. Many of the prisoners I spoke with indicated to me that their crime was often a direct result of their drug use.

In short, I believe legalization of marijuana is not the great cure all that the advocates would have us believe.

Thank you again for your e mail.

Jeff Wagner

and this is what i replied with


thank your for your time Mr. Wagner, although most of your points are
old beliefs and recent studies prove otherwise I understand the hold
that the current system keeps you under. Actually legalizing cannabis
will prevent many youths and other troubled people from partaking in
other activities such as alcohol, tobacco and other "legal" but
dangerous drugs. I dont understand how the people of Ohio and of the
United States would want to have our tax dollars waisted on enforcement
of something harmless. Not one person has died as a direct result of
cannabis. Judgment is not per-say clouded but opened. The main reason
most teens may move on to more harmful drugs is in fact because of the
lack of regulation. Here is a little example if the government states
Cannabis and Coke or Heroin are in the same boat, once one realizes
cannabis is not deadly if your actually a responsible adult they will
start to think that everything is equal and we all know there is a big
differential between a natural medicine and a crime driven poison. If
john doe has to go to a underground dealer to get his medicine or
therapeutic herb he will have the choice due to no regulation to
purchase other actually harmful drugs that may not seem as bad as they
have been told which will lead to addiction and so fourth. Thank you
for being a respected representative and hope that one day you will
think outside the box and for your constituents.