Forum Dear President Causey: I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the thoughtful invitation to attend the 80th Annual Meeting, extend-ed to those of us who have completed 50 years of membership in the Virginia State Bar. Although I’m living out West these days and won’t be attending, I know those of us who will be there will be grateful for the recognition received. I’m particularly honored by an invi-tation from a legal aid colleague, having served in the Offi ce of Legal Services, Offi ce of Economic Opportunity at the beginning of the War on Poverty. Although the battle is not yet won, I know the struggle is in the good hands of warriors like you, having risen to the highest level of service to our profession. Please carry on with my best wish-es, and thanks again for remembering those of us who have had the honor of membership in the Virginia Bar. Sincere regards, J. Roger Detweiler Bend, OR intoxication, which can cause vehicle accidents with injury and/or death. More specifi cally, and as an adult parent and grandparent, it is clear that young individuals can be persuaded by friends to utilize marijuana for so called “joyful purposes.” This type of action can result in young people undertaking actions which ultimately may become regretta-ble. In addition, legalization of marijua-na invites potential illegal sale of said substance to underage juveniles. Again, this is not in the interest of the juvenile or their parents, given the prospect of injury or emotional distress resulting from marijuana use infl uencing poor judgment. It is noteworthy that any attorney experienced in criminal defense actions knows that marijuana can be a gateway drug to other more harmful drugs and commission of other crimes. These Marijuana continued on page 8 Marijuana Legalization: Different Viewpoints This communication is a response to Zach Mauldin’s article, “Opinion: General Assembly Makes Welcome Gains on Marijuana Laws,” appearing in the April edition of the Virginia Lawyer . While I understand the logic of allowing marijuana to be medically uti-lized for pain, nausea or seizure control, I do not think that it is in the best inter-est of the citizens of Virginia to embrace a complete legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes. Such an action, in my opinion, is irresponsible, in as much as marijuana diminishes the thinking ability of any individual subject to its infl uence. Obviously, this can result in 6 VIRGINIA LAWYER | June 2018 | Vol. 67 www.vsb.org