On August 9th, The Boise Picayune posed this question (via email) to Boise and Idaho's Federal, State and Local Elected Officials, those Seeking Office, and Members of Law Enforcement:

"Currently before the 110th Congress of the United States is H. R. 5843 - Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults.

Would you please share with the public whether you intend to support this legislation, and briefly express your views on deprioritizing or decriminalizing the personal use and possession of marijuana by adults."

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On September 15th, Senator Larry Craig became the only person to date to respond to this question. And while the Boise Picayune doesn't necessarily agree with the Senator's assessment, it applauds his willingness to stand up for his beliefs in this matter.

The Boise Picayune hopes that the other recipients of the aforementioned email can find within themselves the fortitude to share their opinion on this matter with the citizenry.

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Dear Mr. Murphy,

Thank you for contacting me. I appreciate your taking the time to keep me informed of your concerns.

While a few studies have claimed that there might be some medical benefits to marijuana, it is a very harmful substance. It can cause various physical and psychological disorders, and for these reasons the current laws exist. For example, studies reveal that this drug alters the activity of neurons and nerve fibers and very likely affects memory. Commonly used amounts of marijuana hinder perception, judgment, and fine motor skills. The drug may also pose serious threats to the reproductive process and the body's immune system. And as marijuana smoke contains more known carcinogens than cigarette smoke, it may also increase the likelihood of lung cancer. Perhaps most difficult to define and understand--yet certainly a side effect of this drug--is marijuana's negative impact on one's ambition, will, drive and concentration.

I feel legalization will likely increase the demand for a dangerous drug. Clearly, legalization would remove a disincentive to experimentation and use for many Americans who currently steer clear of contraband drugs. That experimentation and use could well lead to addiction, particularly because a number of drugs are physiologically addictive in a way that alcohol and tobacco are not. Once hooked, users can be counted on as regular, lifetime purchasers; consequently, drug producers and sellers would have very good reasons to push the use of these especially dangerous, especially addictive drugs. Furthermore, unlike alcohol and tobacco, drug use can create addictions in unborn children who never even get the chance to make an educated choice for their futures--further expanding the population of regular drug users.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance to you in the U.S. Senate.

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Article with links and pictures @ http://theboisepicayune.blogspot.com/2008/09/larry-craig-stands-up.html

For once Foriegnoregonian I agree with you!