Pubdate: Fri, 07 Feb 2003
Source: Frederick News Post (MD)
Copyright: 2003 Great Southern Printing and Manufacturing Company
Contact: 
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/contact/contactfinalnew.cfm?contact=letters
Website: http://www.fredericknewspost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/814
Author: Susan C. Nicol, News-Post Staff

POT SMOKER GIVES UP DRUG FEARING TERROR

Believing his drug use may be funding terrorism, a Frederick County man 
called authorities to his home to get his dope.

In Frederick County District Court on Thursday, John E. Higgins, 46, said 
he was disappointed he could not participate in the Vietnam War.

"I don't want to do anything to hurt this country," he said.

Higgins, who admitted to possession of marijuana, received a suspended 
sentence and was ordered to continue in drug treatment.

Defense Attorney Jack Blomquist told Judge Janice Rodnick Ambrose that the 
case was unusual.

He said on Dec. 8, 2002, his client, whose father was a World War II 
veteran, was watching a documentary about Pearl Harbor.

"Then, he saw a commercial stating that if you smoke marijuana, you could 
be funding terrorism. ... He picked up the phone and called 911."
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart