Pubdate: Wed, 17 May 2006
Source: Anchorage Daily News (AK)
Copyright: 2006 The Anchorage Daily News
Contact:  http://www.adn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/18
Author: Jennifer A. Paton
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

CALLING MARIJUANA A NATURAL DRUG IGNORES ALTERED STATES IT CAUSES

In response to the letter written by Savon Duchein ("Marijuana is a 
natural substance, unlike meth, which is an epidemic," May 9): I 
found it interesting the writer used a verse from the book of 
Genesis, concerning what God gave us to eat in the beginning, in an 
attempt to rationalize the use of pot in an unmonitored and 
recreational manner.

Unfortunately for any unknowing reader, the writer forgot to add that 
the effects of eating the herb and smoking it are different. And if 
you are going to be so bold as to use God's word, then far be it for 
the writer to not give appropriate warning that recreational 
drunkenness is not what God had in mind for the herb, of course. 
Getting stoned is just another way to describe a drunken state.

"Mary Jane" is more potent than any over-the-counter medication and 
even some controlled substances in smaller doses. It is also 
addictive and is as bad on your lungs as a cigarette when smoked. Pot 
smokers can wreak havoc upon their families in other ways. Like any 
other drug addicts, those who smoke pot lie, cover, betray and can 
spend countless hours week after week neglecting and abandoning their 
families in various heartbreaking ways, in preference of their drug 
"Dr. Feelgood." And as far as it being a natural plant, so is the 
opium poppy and the plant from which we obtain cocaine. What's your point?

- ---- Jennifer A. Paton

Anchorage
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman