A question of freedom

Writing in the last issue of the Mirror [“Time to Get Serious about Cannabis,” Jan. 25th] Steven Liga argued that cannabis should be further studied to isolate the medically beneficial properties of the plant, so that medical professionals can prescribe a definite dosage to patients rather than legalizing medical marijuana and telling patients to “smoke this.”  It is certainly long past time to seriously study the benefits of marijuana. But the debate over medical marijuana sidesteps the more important principle of liberty. Our country was founded on a few basic principles of which the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are the most essential. The criminalization of a plant that causes, in Mr. Liga’s words, “feelings of euphoria” and has never caused a death is a profound violation of the principles of liberty. It is time to decriminalize marijuana. It is a safer alternative to alcohol, as the side effects are happiness, hunger, and sleepiness. The enemies of freedom have had their way for long enough.

- Keith Joseph
Highland Park