Pubdate: Tue, 26 Mar 2002
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2002, The Tribune Co.
Contact:  http://www.tampatrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Author:  Debra Baker
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n555/a09.html?10992

DRUG TESTING WRONG

Regarding "Drug Testing In Schools Should Be Sensibly Restricted" (Our 
Opinion, March 22):

According to the numbers stated by the drug-testing industry, anyone 
failing a pre-employment drug screening would more likely than not be a 
marijuana user. Not only because marijuana seems to be the most widely used 
illicit drug, but also because it remains in the system longer than other 
tested substances. While the feelings from smoking one marijuana cigarette 
last only four to six hours, the tetrahydrocannabinol remains in the body 
for about three weeks. Detection time for cocaine, opiates, amphetamines 
and methamphetamines with a standard urine test is no longer than four days.

Workplace drug testing is a discriminatory process, encouraged by workers' 
compensation discounts for employers and a billion-dollar drug testing 
industry. Those of us who will not pee in a cup must accept the limitations 
our principles place on our marketability in the American work force. It 
would be morally wrong to place these same limitations on the aspirations 
of youth or the ability of anyone to achieve an education.

Debra Baker,
St. Petersburg
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MAP posted-by: Alex