Pubdate: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Copyright: 2006 The Edmonton Journal Contact: http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134 Author: Michael Cust Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) ANTI-MARIJUANA 'PROPAGANDA' LACKS CREDIBILITY Re: "Marijuana messes up kids' minds" and "Growers booby trap fields to keep out 'pot pirates'," The Journal, Nov. 24. Neither of these articles on marijuana should have made it to print. They are both a product, it seems, of drug-war propagandists taking advantage of reporters and editors wanting a skeptical and critical disposition. In the first story, Kathy Szirtes, a specialist in youth addiction claims that marijuana is physiologically and psychologically addictive for teens. Before we consider her claims, let us consider her class interest. Her job depends on government funding that would dry up if drug prohibition ended. It is therefore in her interest to scare the public about the harm -- real or not -- of drugs. Drug prohibition is underwritten by public fear. Further, her claims are absurd. Physiological addiction means that the drug in question can causes serious physical withdrawal symptoms for users, similar to heroin or tobacco. There have been no peer reviewed studies that I know of cataloguing "marijuana withdrawal." Marijuana is thought to be as addictive as caffeine, even for teens. Psychological addiction means that users have an overpowering mental desire to use the drug in question, a desire that overtakes thoughts that reflect better sense. In short, marijuana turns teens into zombies. Her claim, then, is a dressed down version of the Reefer Madness of the 1930s. Remember, it is easier to think that drugs and dealers are responsible for our teens bad choices. But the fact remains that addiction is a choice and our youths are responsible for their actions. The second story centres around the claim of Det. Supt. Frank Elbers of the Ontario Provincial Police drug enforcement section that marijuana gardens are increasingly being found to be booby-trapped. His class interest is identical to that of Szirtes. Further, criminal statistics show that fewer than one per cent of marijuana gardens are booby-trapped. That any marijuana gardens are booby-trapped at all is explained by drug prohibition. Because police don't protect marijuana as property, drug dealers form gangs and set booby traps in order to protect their holdings. This the same reason why alcohol prohibition led to the mob. Would The Journal print stories about miracles, psychics, and the paranormal? Drug-war propaganda isn't that much more scientifically credible. Michael Cust Morinville - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman