Letter: Start with legalizing medical marijuana

Graphic by Lori Deaton

[Regarding “Closer to Compassion? N.C. May Inch Closer to Legalizing Medical Marijuana” June 1, Xpress:] Yes, medical marijuana should be legalized, along with legal recreational marijuana. Marijuana is beneficial for many people for a variety of issues, both physically and mentally.

The only ones who believe otherwise are those who have not used it and believe it is a “gateway drug” to harmful drugs like heroin or cocaine. It is not. The abuse of those type of drugs is not caused by using marijuana.

All that being said, medical use legalization should be a priority, followed by the legalization of recreational use. As recreational users already know, it doesn’t really matter if narrow-minded politicians agree or not, marijuana will continue to be available and enjoyed as it always has been without the “consent” of North Carolina government.

— James Shaughnessy
Southport (formerly of Weaverville)

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

2 thoughts on “Letter: Start with legalizing medical marijuana

  1. John Smithe

    Medical sales should begin in Cherokee sometime within this calendar year. Hopefully that will give NC a push to get a slice of that revenue. If not, I’ll be happy to support the tribe.

  2. Shultz!

    I’m all for it, though I loathe the poor etiquette that’ll follow. Super annoying stoners thinking legalization means public intoxication is now OK too.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.