Anchorage Daily News, 04 Jan 2012 – Marijuana and I were friends in the ’70s. In love with my favorite mind-altering choice at the age of 20-something, legalization would have been a gift. But, now 50-ish and smoke-free for years, my view is clear on legalization of America’s favorite drug. I know this: People whose wasted days turn to years while stoned are not working or are underutilizing their potential to contribute to society. Sitting around with a stupid grin on one’s face does nothing for the common good. Furthermore, it is said time and time again that smoking dope is not harmful. But I now have unexplained "hyperactivities on the deep white matter of my brain" and failing cognitive function. What caused this phenomenon? Was it the brain injury at work, the excessive drinking in my youth or was it the pot? It wasn’t fresh air.

Anchorage Daily News, 04 Jan 2012 – Marijuana and I were friends in the ’70s. In love with my favorite mind-altering choice at the age of 20-something, legalization would have been a gift. But, now 50-ish and smoke-free for years, my view is clear on legalization of America’s favorite drug. I know this: People whose wasted days turn to years while stoned are not working or are underutilizing their potential to contribute to society. Sitting around with a stupid grin on one’s face does nothing for the common good. Furthermore, it is said time and time again that smoking dope is not harmful. But I now have unexplained "hyperactivities on the deep white matter of my brain" and failing cognitive function. What caused this phenomenon? Was it the brain injury at work, the excessive drinking in my youth or was it the pot? It wasn’t fresh air.