Pubdate: Tue, 07 Apr 2009
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2009 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Author: Stan White
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n380/a01.html

CRIMINALIZING MARIJUANA SENDS DANGEROUS MESSAGE

A sane argument to perpetuate prohibiting, persecuting and 
exterminating cannabis (marijuana) and hemp doesn't exist. Another 
reason to end cannabis prohibition that doesn't get mentioned ["Let's 
begin the discussion about legalizing drugs," seattletimes.com, 
Opinion, April 1] is because it will lower deadly hard-drug-addiction rates.

DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) will have to stop brainwashing 
youth into believing lies, half-truths and propaganda concerning 
cannabis, which creates grave future problems.

How many citizens try cannabis and realize it's not nearly as harmful 
as taught in DARE-type government environments? Then they think other 
substances must not be so bad either, only to become addicted to 
deadly drugs. The old lessons make cannabis out to be among the worst 
substances in the world, even though it's less addictive than coffee 
and has never killed a single person.

The federal government even classifies cannabis as a Schedule I 
substance along with heroin, while methamphetamine and cocaine are 
only Schedule II substances. For the health and welfare of America's 
children and adults, that dangerous and irresponsible message 
absolutely must change.

Further, regulated cannabis sales would make it so citizens who 
purchase it would not come into contact with people who often also 
sell hard drugs, which would lower hard-drug-addiction rates.

- -- Stan White, Dillon, Colo.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom