RE “SJC limits response by police to marijuana’’ (Page A1, April 20): If a police officer stops a vehicle and smells the distinctive odor of alcohol, the officer has the right to order the driver out of the vehicle. That is common sense, as the driver may be intoxicated and is a potential hazard to the public.

If the officer smells marijuana, the officer does not have the right to protect the public?

John Foster
Wolfeboro, N.H. 

But it’s our safety that is at stake, Boston Globe, April 27, 2011