Pubdate: Mon, 09 Jul 2001
Source: London Free Press (CN ON)
Section: Lifestyle; Pg. C4; Advice
Copyright: 2001 The London Free Press a division of Sun Media Corporation.
Contact:  http://www.fyilondon.com/londonfreepress/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/243
Author: Ann Landers
Note: Responding to Robert Sharpe Letter

LEGALIZING MARIJUANA CUTS DRUG USE BY DUTCH

Dear Ann Landers: This is in response to the letter from DEA administrator 
Donnie Marshall about ecstasy.

The ecstasy knock-off known as PMA that has been taking the lives of young 
Americans is today's version of bathtub gin. The black market has no 
controls for quality or user age.

Unlike legitimate businesses that sell alcohol, illegal drug dealers do not 
ask for ID. They push trendy, synthetic "club drugs" when given the chance. 
The drug war fails miserably at its primary mandate -- protecting children 
from drugs.

The Netherlands has reduced overall drug use by regulating and taxing 
marijuana as a legal drug and establishing age controls. Politicians should 
stop worrying about the message drug policy reform sends and start thinking 
about the children. -- ROBERT SHARPE, MPA, PROGRAM OFFICER, THE LINDESMITH 
CENTER-DRUG POLICY FOUNDATION, WASHINGTON, D.C.

Dear Robert Sharpe: Thanks for your interesting viewpoint. I hope your 
letter will wake up some of those "sleeping beauties." Here's more on the 
subject:

 From Dallas: Ecstasy is fun. It gives you an overwhelming sense of 
happiness and love. True, it's not real, but so what? If you take ecstasy, 
be sure you get it from a trusted source and drink lots of water. Also, 
don't take any alcohol with it. It could result in brain damage or death.

Johnstown, Pa.: I am a senior in high school and have been going to raves 
almost weekly. I took my mother to a rave and we danced until 5 a.m. She 
had the time of her life. We were drug-free and surrounded by friends.

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio: I am 19 and have been attending raves for two years. 
People go for the music, not the drugs. Security personnel frisk everyone.

Nashville: It's been two years since my experience with ecstasy and I am 
still in therapy. I was almost raped and have lost my short-term memory.

Sydney, Australia: Here in Australia, there are RaveSafe organizations that 
provide guidelines on how to stay safe while using ecstasy, including the 
need to drink water to prevent dehydration. You also can buy testing kits 
that will tell you if the pills contain MDMA or something more dangerous.

Bloomfield Hills, Mich.: While the letter about ecstasy was valid, I would 
like to point out that glowsticks are not a dependable sign of ecstasy use. 
Glowsticks are very popular dance props with teenagers who listen to 
techno, electronic or rave music.

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.: A lot of ravers use drugs, but it is not fair to 
label all of us as drug users. I am 17 and go to raves every Saturday and I 
don't use drugs. Ecstasy is available in lots of places, including rock 
concerts and college parties. If I want ecstasy, I don't have to go to a 
rave to get it.

Oakland, Calif.: If ecstasy were legal, rave promoters and staff would be 
able to help injured kids without fear of legal reprisal. People are 
worried they will be arrested if they take someone to the hospital or call 
911. That's the problem.

New York: I used ecstasy for five years, but only on weekends. I often felt 
depressed on Monday mornings, but continued to take ecstasy because it was 
so pleasant. This is classic addicted behaviour. I can no longer ignore the 
effect it has had on my health. My hair is thin and breaks off easily. My 
skin is sallow and I have perpetual acne. Due to the grinding, my teeth 
have become crooked and sharp. Ecstasy is not worth the misery you suffer.
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MAP posted-by: Beth