Letter:

Columnist wrong on pot legalization

Debra J. Saunders' recent column about the legalization of marijuana deserves some corrections.

First, she overstated the public support for legalization. Last month, decisive majorities in three states voted against ballot measures to legalize marijuana. Marijuana was initially embraced in blue states, like California, but has a less certain path forward in the rest of the country. Pundits should not assume legalization has vast bipartisan support. Emerson College polls show that when questions about marijuana policy ask about both legalization and decriminalization, which wouldn't legalize sales, most people do not choose the former.

Saunders also asserted that the lack of legislative progress is more representative of a generational divide than a political divide, arguing that older officeholders are out of touch with their younger constituents. Given that North Dakota and South Dakota have the fifth and 14th youngest median ages, respectively, she might have expected legalization to be popular there. Yet both states, along with Arkansas, rejected legalization in November.

Importantly, her column failed to grapple with the reasons legalization is opposed by a bipartisan majority of federal lawmakers. Legalization is associated with higher rates of use, concerningly among minors and pregnant women. The impairment that follows this use is associated with more traffic fatalities, mental illness and workplace accidents. Legalization also comes short of displacing the illicit market, and any tax dollars that are generated are offset 4-to-1 by associated costs and adverse outcomes.

Legalization is being pushed by a profit-driven industry. While Saunders provided favorable coverage of the panel event sponsored by the Coalition for Cannabis Policy, Education, and Regulation, she did not disclose that this is a front group for Big Alcohol and Big Tobacco, which have invested billions into the marijuana industry. Legalization is not about bettering public health or safety; it is about creating a new addiction-for-profit industry.

Kevin Sabet, President and CEO

Smart Approaches to Marijuana and the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions

On accepting others

I, too, am a proud Jew. But i must take umbrage with the view taken by Bruce Parker in his letter on Dec. 13.

To me, Chabad is a very welcoming and non-judgmental place where Jews of all persuasions can feel comfortable about their Jewishness. Jewish people come in all shapes, sizes, colors and nationalities. I suggest those like Parker be as welcoming to those who may be observant in a different way and accept all Jewish people for who they are, no matter how they dress or look. It is wonderful to have a place in Arlington Heights where all Jews are welcome.

Sherie Shapiro

Elk Grove Village