To Whom It May Concern:

According to the World Health Organization, someone dies every 10 seconds from tobacco use, and 1 out of 2 tobacco users will die from their addiction.

Alcohol, the most powerful mind-altering drug, kills millions annually, and is the primary cause of most murders, violent crimes and highway fatalities.

Yet both of these addictive drugs are totally legal and government sanctioned.

Meanwhile 700,000 Americans are arrested yearly for marijuana. People are denied employment, have properties and assets confiscated and are losing their lives in prison daily.

Why?!?

In 1937 our government criminalized marijuana based on the claim that "it was the most violence causing drug known to man."

In 1948 its prohibition was continued because "the Russians could use marijuana and turn our young into pacifists who wouldn't fight." (Of course, this is the complete opposite of the original reason.)

In the 1960's the "unknown dangers of long-term use" became the government's theme for marijuana's ban.

Today our government tells us:

1. "Marijuana is a deadly, dangerous drug." Yet the Federal Bureau of Mortality states that no deaths have ever been caused by marijuana.

2. "Marijuana is a 'gateway' drug." “In fact, most drug users begin their drug use with alcohol and/or nicotine” (1999 DEA).

These lies, along with every other lie about marijuana, have absolutely no medical, scientific or moral basis, and are no justification for the harm our laws have caused millions of people.

Marijuana use is no crime, and its prohibition is both immoral in principle and unworkable in practice!

End The Hypocrisy!