Regardless of my views of marijuana use, I have to say that the Nov. 19 editorial "Students and marijuana" is a sad excuse for an editorial. Yes, in Japan, smoking marijuana is a crime; in other places in the world, it is not. This is a fact, and that this law was broken by a few people is another boring, unalarming fact. I'd also like to point out another fact: Cannabis is used to treat cancer patients in many advanced nations. Are the doctors in those countries simply oblivious to "the harmful consequences of continued marijuana use?"
What of the recent number of hit-and-run cases in Japan involving drunk drivers? Alcohol is a legal killer. Tobacco is a legal killer. Marijuana is illegal, but when was the last time that you read about a traffic fatality involving a driver under the influence of pot?
The editorial writer should have taken the time to compare the two trends, challenge conventional wisdom and encourage people to pause and reflect on the bigger pictures. This editorial simply regurgitates recent news and concludes that authorities must educate their students! Please.
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