Maryland legislators should take in account U.S. Constitution's 14th Amendment in their consideration of what to do with the marijuana laws ("Maryland lawmakers take fresh run at legalizing marijuana," Jan. 31). No state shall deprive a person of their life, liberty and property without due process of law, without a compelling state interest. The right to life, liberty and property are explicit fundamental rights secured from unreasonable deprivation.
The use of state police power to enforce the marijuana laws deprives persons of their liberty and property, as well as their right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against unreasonable searches and seizure.
Police power is either reasonable or unreasonable. To be reasonable, police power is used to protect the rights of others. The arbitrary enforcement of the marijuana laws demonstrates the laws, even federal laws, are unreasonable.
State Sen. Jamie Raskin is an attorney who should know that the marijuana laws have been justified by the courts by rational basis. Why? No fundamental rights have been deprived. Marijuana users are treated as second class citizens.
Michael J. Dee, Augusta, Me.