Pubdate: Tue, 11 Sep 2001
Source: Christian Science Monitor (US)
Copyright: 2001 The Christian Science Publishing Society
Contact:  http://www.csmonitor.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/83
Author: Kirk Muse - Vancouver, Wash.

MARIJUANA LAWS ARE SOURCE OF TROUBLE

I disagree with the suggestion that marijuana is a gateway drug ("Laws 
against marijuana go up in smoke," Aug. 5, Readers Write). Most marijuana 
users are not interested in other recreational drugs. Our 
marijuana-prohibition policy - not marijuana itself - causes the gateway 
effect, forcing buyers to purchase marijuana from the same people who sell 
heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines, and who often offer free samples of 
addictive drugs. In the Netherlands, marijuana is available to adults in 
coffee shops, and the Dutch rate of drug use is substantially lower than US 
rates.

Kirk Muse. Vancouver, Wash.
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