Decriminalizing marijuana may harm children

As a responsible, law-abiding citizen, I am troubled that Maryland lawmakers have agreed to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana [“Md. passes minimum wage hike,” Metro, April 8]. In an apparent gambit for votes in an election year, our Annapolis politicians have compromised traditional legal and moral standards. As a nonsmoker, I found it particularly interesting to note that many of those politicians who seem to scream the loudest to restrict tobacco use for health reasons are the ones who support the decriminalization of marijuana.

Pot is a gateway to abuse of harder substances and, with the heroin epidemic spreading nationwide, this poorly considered legislation is simply irresponsible. What detrimental effect will this have on our children’s future health, achievement and psychological adjustment?    

J. Paul Thomas, Silver Spring

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Decriminalizing marijuana may harm children