In an editorial of the Portland Press Newspaper, Michael Chitwood states that the legalization of marijuana, or any other drug, is harmful to children and surrounding environment. He adds that the process of legalizing marijuana is "intentionally vague and requires little in the way of medical oversight or regulation " (7A). Marijuana supporters are using the idea that marijuana aid

"Real goal is legal marijuana for all; Medical use of cannabis fails to win support from doctors' groups." Editorial. Portland Press Herald [Blethen, ME] 30 Oct.1999: 7a

s medical studies especially with cancer. For total legalization of marijuana, this issue will have to be debated by a professional medical board. The concern however, is that marijuana will be a gateway to other harmful substances such as cocaine or heroine. "The push to legalize the use of medical marijuana has contributed to a changing attitude in America that marijuana is safe and harmless "(7A). Many families are enforcing the idea that any type of drug abuse is wrong and harmful. If the government decides to legalize marijuana, children will gain the idea that marijuana use is accepted.

Both writers believe that marijuana is not as safe as over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirins. However, marijuana is not also directly related to more harmful substances such as cocaine or heroine. They both agree

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 673
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)