Pubdate: Thu, 05 Sep 2002
Source: Times Record News (TX)
Copyright: 2002 The E.W. Scripps Co.
Contact:  http://www.trnonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/995
Author: Name withheld

DRUG OF CHOICE

Hello, I am a "drug" user. But my "drug" use will never put me in danger of 
contracting Hepatitis C, the HIV virus or any other fluid- transmitted 
disease. I smoke marijuana. That's it. I don't like to drink. I have an 
addictive personality, alcoholic parents, alcoholic siblings, alcoholic 
aunts and uncles. I have smoked weed for almost 10 years. In that time, I 
graduated both high school and college and have a job many people would 
love to have. My marijuana use has not negatively influenced my career. 
However, I recently heard through the grapevine that there are signs posted 
all around the Dallas area stating, "You think it was dry this month? Wait 
until next month," with an X-ed out marijuana leaf on it.

That's great, guys! Continue to do that, and by this time next year, you 
will have twice as many alcoholics and 10 times as many meth- addicted 
freaks or pill-popping geeks as you do now. The rate of people contracting 
Hepatitis C, HIV, etc., will rise, as potheads turn to something else to 
get them stoned. Yes, some will just quit. Some will begin to grow their 
own. And the rest will become alcoholics and junkies.

You think the jails are full now? Wait until a few more months of this 
"no-weed" situation passes, and you will more than likely notice an 
increase in the numbers of meth cooks and DWI drivers.

But, hey, as long as they aren't smoking a joint, right? I'd much rather 
have people driving around with a case of beer or a container full of ether 
and lithium batteries.

Name withheld 
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MAP posted-by: Beth