Pubdate: Wed, 29 Oct 2003
Source: Sidelines, The (TN Edu)
Copyright: 2003 Middle Tennessee State University
Contact:  http://www.mtsusidelines.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2861
Author: Scott Russ

MARIJUANA USE COMPARABLE WITH ALCOHOL, SO WHY IS ONLY ONE DEMONIZED, ILLEGAL?

To the Editor:

It's no wonder our government has lost all credibility with the younger 
generation and American citizens as a whole. Current and past presidents 
have used some of the same substances that have sent others straight to prison.

So, what message are we really sending our children?

Why doesn't the government bombard the airways with TV ads displaying the 
dangers of using heroin or cocaine the same way they do with anti-marijuana 
ads?

They say that our young citizens are abusing cannabis more than any other 
drug. They use the number of drug treatment submissions to base this 
statement on.

Most of those that undergo this "drug treatment" were forced to enter 
treatment in lieu of other criminal sanctions.

We need to use social and healthcare solutions for those who need help and 
quit making criminals out of the adults who wish to use cannabis in the 
privacy of their own home.

America can't afford to spend another 30 years demonizing and incarcerating 
those who prefer cannabis over alcohol.

Scott Russ Baton Rouge, La.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom