Pubdate: Wed, 25 Dec 2002
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2002 Cox Interactive Media.
Contact:  http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Larry Gilbert

POT NOT ADDICTIVE; IT'S MORE LIKE LIQUOR

A recent letter seemed taken straight from the pages of a Drug Enforcement 
Agency propaganda pamphlet and was purely pathetic fiction ("Marijuana's 
dangers can't be shrugged off," Dec. 18).

Marijuana is not addictive, period. I don't care what the DEA says. Nor is 
it a gateway drug. Heroin and nicotine are addictive, but marijuana and 
liquor are not. Oh, I know there are alcoholics, but that is more because 
of psychological issues or a person's chemical makeup, although no one 
really seems to know about that.

People would be surprised how many of their hard-working, very intelligent 
friends smoke pot.

Pot should be legal and governed in the same manner as liquor, including 
driving under the influence. A drunk is far more unreliable behind the 
wheel than a pot smoker, but both should be considered DUI.

That said, if I had to take a choice of riding with a drunk or someone who 
was stoned, I will take the stoned person. I wouldn't want to ride with 
either, but if I absolutely had to choose, that would be my choice.

Larry Gilbert

Savannah
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