I read the article, “Permitting fines for pot crimes may not help many” (Star-Advertiser, May 12). I oppose the characterization of marijuana legalization by state Rep. Sharon Har.

There is no credible evidence that states with legalization of recreational marijuana have increased violent crime due to marijuana, increased emergency-room visits as a result of marijuana, increased homeless and teenage school dropouts as a result of legalization of marijuana, or increased drugged driving fatalities as a result of marijuana, according to research studies on these topics.

I suggest that fact-checks be undertaken for any such claims before publication in the news, particularly when the claim is from a representative in the Legislature.

As a former Seattleite, I can attest to the fact that none of these claims is true, at least in Washington, and I have researched the claims for Colorado as well, and found there is no credible evidence to support these claims.

Susan Matt

Kapolei

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