Pubdate: Fri, 20 Jul 2007
Source: Stonewall Argus and Teulon Times, The  (CN MB)
Copyright: 2007 Stonewall Argus and Teulon Times
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Website: http://www.stonewallargusteulontimes.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3979
Refefenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n856/a04.html?69633
Author: Kirk Muse

POT UP, BOOZE DOWN

Dear Editor,

I'm writing about Marc Zienkiewicz's thoughtful column: "War on drugs 
going to pot" (7-13-07).

Most drug war cheerleaders proclaim that if marijuana were 
re-legalized, pot use would skyrocket. I believe that the Netherlands 
example shows that this probably would not happen.

But suppose that pot use did increase. Suppose pot use by adults 
doubled. Would this necessarily be bad? I submit that it would not.

As pot use increases, alcohol use decreases.

Most marijuana users don't drink alcohol, but those who do drink 
alcohol, drink substantially less than non-marijuana users.

I believe that most doctors would agree that heavy marijuana use is a 
lot less harmful than heavy alcohol use. Heavy alcohol use can and does kill.

No amount of marijuana use has ever killed anyone.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, AZ
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