Pubdate: Wed, 05 Sep 2001
Source: Christian Science Monitor (US)
Copyright: 2001 The Christian Science Publishing Society
Contact:  http://www.csmonitor.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/83
Author: Ashley R. Smith

LAWS AGAINST MARIJUANA SHOULD NOT GO UP IN SMOKE

Unfortunately, the lenient approach to marijuana possession in Britain is 
just one of many events that openly contradict the "war on drugs" which so 
many countries - the US and Great Britain included - have waged ("Europe's 
antidrug bastion reconsiders," Aug. 30). I believe governments that try to 
legalize marijuana or classify it as a "soft drug" will eventually realize 
that neither tactic will aid in the fight against supposed "hard drugs" 
such as heroin and cocaine. Marijuana is illegal for a reason: It is a 
gateway drug that leads users down a path to more-serious substance abuse.

Political leaders cannot change the rules of the game halfway in. If 
marijuana were accepted today, it would hinder our chances of fighting more 
dangerous drugs and reduce the slender headway we have gained. Accepting 
one drug while outlawing others would be the equivalent of prohibiting the 
consumption of hard liquor while allowing beer and wine.

Ashley R. Smith, Gainesville, Fla.
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MAP posted-by: Rebel