Pubdate: Wed, 18 Sep 2002
Source: Austin American-Statesman (TX)
Copyright: 2002 Austin American-Statesman
Contact:  http://www.austin360.com/statesman/editions/today/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/32
Author: The Associated Press

DRUG OFFICIAL WARNS OF RISKS OF MARIJUANA

WASHINGTON -- The nation's drug policy director warned parents Tuesday 
against trivializing the dangers of marijuana to their children, saying 
more teenagers are addicted to pot than to alcohol or all other illegal 
drugs combined.

Many parents and children have outdated perceptions, said John Walters, 
director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. They think that 
marijuana is not addictive or that it's less dangerous than cigarettes.

In reality, more teens enter rehabilitation centers to treat marijuana 
addiction than alcohol or all illegal drugs combined, he said as he 
announced an advertising campaign by his office and 17 education, public 
health, anti-drug and family advocacy groups.

Marsha Rosenbaum, director of the Safety First Project of the Drug Policy 
Alliance, disputed some of Walters' figures. "Alcohol dwarfs marijuana in 
terms of use," she said.
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