POT LEGALIZATION

Reader urges 'no' vote

So, help this registered nurse understand the current discussion in legalizing cannabis sativa in Washington state.

When I was involved in clinical drug testing, laboratory analysis was able to detect delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (marijuana) as late as 30 days after the reported use. Alcohol is water soluble and leaves your body pretty quickly. If I remember my science correctly, cannabis is fat soluble so it takes days to weeks for the chemical to leave the body. Has anyone discovered the legal and sensible limit for operating a motor vehicle after using marijuana?

The Washington state alcohol-related fatality rate is 43 percent (2008 statistics) of all motor vehicle-related accidents and I don't think anyone believes use of marijuana and drive a motor vehicle is a good idea.

It would be nice if some common sense would prevail in the Legislature and there would be a resounding 'no' vote on any proposal to legalize the use of marijuana, as I do not believe we need more impaired drivers on Washington state roads.

Michael Cloke

Clarkston