Pubdate: Mon, 15 Oct 2007
Source: Pine Log, The (TX Edu)
Copyright: 2007 Pine Log
Contact:   http://www.thepinelog.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4412
Author: Julianna Baker
Cited: Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation http://www.saferchoice.org
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)
Bookmark: 
http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Safer+Alternative+For+Enjoyable+Recreation

SFA UNDER FIRE FOR LENIENCE ON ALCOHOL-RELATED INCIDENTS

Following the death of an SFA student from alcohol poisoning, SFA is 
being accused of being far more lenient toward alcohol-related 
incidents than marijuana-related ones.

In a press release, Colorado-based nonprofit group Safer Alternative 
For Enjoyable Recreation criticized SFA for policies that penalize 
marijuana use more heavily than alcohol, despite statistics that show 
alcohol is related to far more deaths than marijuana.

"There is no logical reason why an institution of higher education 
should punish a student more for using marijuana than for using 
alcohol and this incident demonstrates what can happen when students 
are steered toward drinking by such imbalanced policies," said SAFER 
Executive Director Mason Tvert.

Since it's not possible to overdose on marijuana, proponents of the 
drug, like Tvert, argue that it is much safer than alcohol. Two large 
studies, one conducted by a large HMO on over 60,000 men and women 
ages 15-49 over a period of ten years and one conducted on Swedish 
army constructs over a period of 15 years, have concluded that 
marijuana users are no more likely to die than non-users.

SAFER works to raise awareness of laws and universities policies. 
They passed a student referendum at UT Austin asking the University 
to change their policies.

"Universities are responsible for maintaining student health and 
safety," Tvert said. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake