Pubdate: Wed, 15 Sep 2004 Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA) Copyright: 2004 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.uniontrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386 Author: John Byrom Note: Does not print LTEs from outside it's circulation area. Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04.n1318.a04.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) THE VERY REAL DANGERS OF USING MARIJUANA Regarding the Sept. 10 letter from Richard Weld Savary, "Marijuana growers, users not criminals": These individuals were running a multimillion-dollar drug enterprise. It wasn't a sick cancer patient growing a few plants in his back yard. As for Savary's statement that innocent productive citizens are being harshly prosecuted, the penalty in California for the past 20 years has been a $100 fine for one ounce or less. I smoked marijuana for many years and experienced the insidious harm of this underrated drug. Just ask the child whose parent is unable to show the love and care that precious child needs. Or the parent who watches his child fall into the depths of addiction. Try telling them that using marijuana isn't harming anyone. John Byrom Oceanside