Pubdate: Wed, 21 Aug 2002
Source: Savannah Morning News (GA)
Copyright: 2002 Savannah Morning News
Contact:  http://www.savannahnow.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/401
Author: Eric Curl

MARIJUANA DIDN'T DESERVE READER'S HOSTILE COMMENT

In an Aug. 10 letter, "Marijuana not innocent as columnist claims," about 
Kathleen Parker's Aug. 3 commentary, "Government's war on drugs," Sam 
Hollis of Savannah recommended that Ms. Parker get her facts straight about 
marijuana. I implore him to do the same.

He stated that marijuana is as addictive as tobacco; it is not. Studies 
have shown it not to be physically addictive, nor does it cause powerful 
hallucinations.

Mr. Hollis feels that marijuana is worse then heroin, which is ludicrous. 
Heroin is a highly addictive opiate. It is possible to overdose on heroin, 
while you cannot with marijuana.

You can smoke 10 joints of marijuana and the side effects would simply be 
severe redeye and hunger. Comparing marijuana to heroin is on par with 
comparing caffeine and alcohol. Both are drugs, but have entirely different 
effects.

Mr. Hollis complained that marijuana impairs the ability of the user to 
drive a car or operate machinery. I'd like him to check and see how many 
car and labor accidents are a result of alcohol use, compared to the number 
where marijuana was a factor.

He may find that he is directing his hostility toward the wrong drug.

ERIC CURL

Savannah
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