Pubdate: Sun, 20 Aug 2000
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2000, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  333 King St. E., Toronto, Ontario M5A 3X5 Canada
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Website: http://www.canoe.ca/TorontoSun/
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Author: Walter F. Wouk, http://www.mapinc.org/writers/Walt+Wouk
Comment: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor; headline by newshawk
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1158/a09.html

RE Linda Williamson's claim that today's marijuana is 700% stronger than the pot smoked in the 1960s (Aug. 13). She cites an RCMP report as evidence that it's true, but where did the RCMP get their information? Similar claims are made here in DEA land, but the truth is, marijuana potency wasn't measured in the 1960s.

As a Vietnam veteran and a member of the "Woodstock Nation," I can attest to the fact that the marijuana I smoked 30 years ago wasn't much different than the herbal blends available today. Also, if the allegation were true - and I wish it were, it would mean that it would take less marijuana to get high, making it a safer recreational drug than it already is.

The truth is, there is no legitimate rationale for marijuana prohibition. It exists because the political establishment has a burning desire to control the lives of the people it is supposed to serve.

Walter F. Wouk

Cobleskll, N.Y.

(A "burning desire" is exactly what cops have when it comes to pot)
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager