OPINION:
The Washington Times gives billionaire philanthropist George Soros far too much credit for the growing public support for marijuana-law reform (“George Soros’ real crusade: Legalizing marijuana in the U.S.,” Web, April 2).
It’s really quite simple: A majority of young adults have personally tried marijuana. In doing so, they have reached the conclusion that our government has been lying about the marijuana plant for decades. Marijuana is not nearly as dangerous (or exciting) as federal government propaganda suggests.
To be fair, Mr. Soros has successfully used his money to leverage support for marijuana-law reform through state ballot initiatives. However, he is by no means personally responsible for the informed opinions of millions of Americans. It’s personal experience, not billionaire philanthropy, that has led a majority of Americans to conclude that marijuana is safer than alcohol and does not merit a criminal justice response.
ROBERT SHARPE
Policy analyst
Common Sense for Drug Policy
Washington
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