Pubdate: Sat, 09 Feb 2002
Source: Idaho Statesman, The (ID)
Copyright: 2002 The Idaho Statesman
Contact:  http://www.idahostatesman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/204
Author: Kirk Muse
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n134/a10.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

MARIJUANA DEBATE

Letter writer Sean Peterson was right on target in his letter, "Legalize 
marijuana" (Jan. 26). It probably won't happen for a long time.

Not because marijuana is dangerous. It is not. In the history of marijuana 
use, there is yet to be a documented death from its use. Not because 
marijuana use leads to addiction to other drugs.

It is the marijuana prohibition policy that causes the so-called "gateway 
effect." Not marijuana itself.Marijuana will probably remain a banned 
substance because of the people, industries and institutions with a vested 
financial interest in perpetuating the status quo.

The people with drug-war-created jobs will do anything and everything in 
their power to make sure our now-prohibited herbs and drugs remain so.

The prohibition of marijuana stands between many drug warriors becoming 
ex-drug warriors working at quickie marts.

Kirk Muse, Vancouver, Wash.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager