Pubdate: Tue, 24 Oct 2000 Source: Palm Beach Post (FL) Copyright: 2000, The Palm Beach Post Feedback: http://www.gopbi.com/partners/pbpost/mail.html Website: http://www.gopbi.com/ Forum: http://www.gopbi.com/community/forums/ Author: Keith Berger DISPELLING SOME MYTHS ABOUT MARIJUANA Despite The Post's story "New study suggests marijuana is addictive" (Oct. 16), not everybody agrees on marijuana's addictive properties. Those who would readily agree are the thousands of users who have found themselves drawn time and again to compulsively use and abuse this drug despite negative health and social consequences. Additionally, the cessation of prolonged marijuana use brings uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Any substance that causes such behaviors and symptoms can be described as addictive. For the NORML Foundation to continue promoting marijuana's supposed medical uses is one thing. To mislead and misinform the public about marijuana's addictive properties is simply dangerous. NORML's clever acronym name suggests something typical. Perhaps a better acronym might be DENIAL for Don't Even Notice I Am Lying. At least the spelling looks less like that of a marijuana smoker. KEITH BERGER, outreach coordinator, Alternatives In Treatment Inc. Boca Raton - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart