Pubdate: Fri, 16 Aug 2002
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI)
Copyright: 2002 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.jsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/265
Author: Colleen Kronquist
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1498/a11.html?1831

LAWS HAVEN'T STOPPED KIDS FROM GETTING DRUGS

I have to disagree with letter writer Christine Logslett's statement that 
marijuana is a "gateway to other drugs" (The Morning Mail, Aug. 13).

Although many heroin or cocaine users first tried marijuana, many others 
did not; there is only a correlation, not causal effect shown. The vast 
majority of those who have used marijuana do not move on to harder drugs. 
This would dispute the notion of cause and effect.

Most users of heroin, crack, cocaine, etc., probably have drunk alcohol or 
smoked cigarettes, but very few cigarette smokers or those who consume 
alcohol go on to harder drugs. Under Logslett's logic, though, because 
there is a correlation we should ban these products.

Those who think this is a good idea should recall the social effects of 
Prohibition; they are many of the same effects that the banning of 
marijuana has had, such as violence and corruption.

Making the use and possession of marijuana illegal has had little effect on 
stopping kids from getting the drug, so such laws to stop kids from getting 
it make little sense.

Colleen Kronquist; Cudahy
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MAP posted-by: Tom