De-criminalizing pot in any amount is first bite of an ice cream cone

To the editor,

Honorable Governor and Legislators:

While we do not disagree with the use of marijuana for truly needed medical reasons we don't believe someone has done the necessary homework concerning home grown plants regardless of the bills okay for only allowing four plants to be grown and used by medical users at home.

First of all there would be no practical way to monitor home growing activities that could possibly lead to illegal growing and possible sales of more than the specified amount. Secondly. the April 2, 2012 issue of Time magazine, on page 12, right most column under "Gonzales V. Raich" states: "A 2005 decision held that the feds could prohibit home-grown medical marijuana, overruling state law. Justice Antonin Scalia wrote as part of a 6-3 majority that Congress needed the expansive power to ensure that it's regulation of drugs nationally wasn't undermined by California's permissive dope laws."

Please remember that the use of, and/or de-criminalization of, marijuana in any amount is like the first bite of an ice cream cone on a hot summer day, it just makes you want more until you finally become addicted and want something even better or stronger.

We truly believe that any drug must follow the federal laws regarding same, even though some of our legislators seem to think otherwise. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Bill Bertholdt

Gilford