Pubdate: Wed, 15 Mar 2000
Source: Press, The (New Zealand)
Copyright: 2000 The Christchurch Press Company Ltd.
Contact:  Private Bag 4722, Christchurch, New Zealand
Fax: +64-3-364-8238
Website: http://www.press.co.nz/
Author: Alexander Smit
Note: Headline by Editor

SHOWS LACK OF CANNABIS KNOWLEDGE

Sir-Brian Gardner (March 7) states that cannabis users must lack
"inner resources" and require the drug to "cope with life's problems".

To describe a person in this way merely because they use cannabis and
support a change in its legal status shows a lack of knowledge about
the drug and how people use it.

Many people see all cannabis use as a health risk and all users as
people (or criminals) with inadequacies trying to cope. This is a
prejudiced and ill-informed view.

It is like viewing all people who drink as alcoholics.

John Burns (March 7) equates support of marijuana reform with the
promotion of its use. The former does not follow the latter.

ALEXANDER SMIT,
March 9, 2000
- ---
MAP posted-by: Derek Rea