Pubdate: Wed, 17 Nov 2004
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2004 The Columbian Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Author: Kirk Muse
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1589/a09.html

HARM EXAGGERATED

I'm writing about Sandra S. Bennett's Nov. 7 local view, "Potent pot just 
one reason legalization unwise." Marijuana is relatively safe in that it 
has never caused a documented death from its use. However, marijuana 
criminalization is dangerous. Dangerous because marijuana is sold only by 
criminals. Criminals who often sell other, much more dangerous drugs, and 
who offer free samples to their marijuana customers.

Thus the gateway effect to hard drugs is caused by marijuana 
criminalization not marijuana itself.

When people like Bennett grossly exaggerate the harms and dangers of 
marijuana, this is dangerous. Dangerous because when children find out that 
they have been lied to about pot, they make the logical assumption that 
they are probably being lied to about the dangers of other drugs like 
methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. This is a recipe for disaster.

Kirk Muse, Mesa Ariz. 
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