Pubdate: Mon, 09 Jul 2001
Source: Charlotte Observer (NC)
Copyright: 2001 The Charlotte Observer
Contact:  http://www.charlotte.com/observer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78
Author: Ann Landers

DRUG POLICY REFORM CAN SAVE LIVES

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 successfully 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. Don't 
take alcohol with it. It could cause 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, RaveSafe organizations 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 glow sticks are not a dependable sign of ecstasy 
use. Glow sticks are very popular dance props with teen-agers who listen to 
techno, electronic or rave music.

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