Pubdate: Sat, 19 May 2001
Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (AR)
Copyright: 2001 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc
Contact:  http://www.ardemgaz.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/25
Author:  Delbert O. Lewis

FALSE TEACHINGS ON "CANNABIS"

I just learned from the History Channel that the concept of a brutish, 
bowlegged, humped-over caveman/Neanderthal I was taught as a schoolchild 
was really an atypical probably elderly male with a 
disability.  Neanderthals were much like us.

How many things were we taught in earlier years [that were] just dead wrong 
based on misinterpretation of science, probably related prejudice?

I have found false teachings especially disturbing concerning the fallacy 
that cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a dangerous drug with no known 
medical use, a high potential for abuse and addiction, and causes people, 
including breadwinners and mothers, to be imprisoned just for knowing 
about, using or possessing it.

Contrary to false propaganda fed to us since 1937, when cannabis medicine 
became illegal, recent research, doctors and even legal scholars indicate 
that it has not proven to be dangerous or fatal. The only person who ever 
died "from cannabis" was shot by a cop.

On the other hand, over 1000 people die from aspirin and 100,000 Americans 
die from properly prescribed and used "legally recognized as safe and 
effective" medicines every year.  Property use is not misuse or 
abuse.   When drug prohibition hurts more than the drugs themselves, it is 
time for honesty and change.

Let's get the Arkansas Health Department to accurately reflect the current 
situation.  Thousands of ill, harmless, potentially useful and productive 
people are imprisoned, stripped of property and dignity, and even die 
because they are denied their medicine.

Is public policy just a reflection of the incorrect things we learned as 
children?

Delbert O. Lewis
Little Rock
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth