Pubdate: Sat, 25 Aug 2001 Source: National Post (Canada) Copyright: 2001 Southam Inc. Contact: http://www.nationalpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286 Author: Clifford A. Schaffer DUMBING DOWN Re: Toke Up, and Dumb Down, Aug. 23. Professor Filip Palda asserts that marijuana is not legal because it stupifies its users. I have read several major studies on the subject, and I can't find any historical evidence that marijuana is not legal because it stupifies its users. Indeed, if that were the rationale, then obviously the toughest penalties would have to be against the use of alcohol. Marijuana is illegal because of racism, ignorance and laws that never did make sense. Clifford A. Schaffer, director, DRCNet Online Library of Drug Policy, Calif. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart