Pubdate: Mon, 07 May 2001
Source: Sun Herald (MS)
Copyright: 2001 The Sun Herald
Contact:  http://web.sunherald.com/content/biloxi/2000/12/28/pageone/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/432
Author: Robert Sharpe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (MDMA)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n716/a05.html

TESTS DISCOURAGE POT, BUT BOOST USE OF ECSTASY

The April 23 article ("Drug testing helps Keesler curtail use of 
ecstasy") on the increased use of ecstasy among military personnel 
failed to mention the role of drug testing in promoting ecstasy use.

Drug tests encourage the use of synthetic, water-soluble drugs like 
ecstasy. Marijuana is the only drug that stays in the body long 
enough to make urinalysis a deterrent. Marijuana metabolites are 
fat-soluble and can linger for weeks. Harder drugs are water-soluble 
and exit the human body within 48 hours.

If you think drug users don't know this, think again. Anyone capable 
of running a search on the Internet can find out how to thwart a drug 
test.

Why is this relevant? Because the growing use of ecstasy in America 
is in part a result of drug testing. A person who takes ecstasy on 
Friday night will likely test clean on Monday morning. The same 
applies to heroin or crack. Ironically, the least dangerous 
recreational drug (marijuana) is the only drug whose use is 
discouraged by testing. Drug war profiteers do not readily volunteer 
this information, for obvious reasons.

The counterproductive nature of drug testing must be exposed before 
the military's experience is replicated in schools and work-places 
throughout the country.

ROBERT SHARPE

The Lindesmith Center
Drug Policy Foundation
Washington
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MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe