Pubdate: Tue, 05 Jul 2005
Source: High Point Enterprise (NC)
Copyright: 2005 High Point Enterprise
Contact:  http://www.hpe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/576
Author:  Kirk Muse
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

LEGALIZATION, REGULATION WOULD END THE 'GATEWAY EFFECT'

I'm writing about Clifford Schaffer's thoughtful letter: "Government, 
private industry should regulate, tax marijuana" in Your View on June 28.

I'd like to add that I have never seen heroin, cocaine, LSD or 
methamphetamine. However, I was offered free samples of these 
dangerous drugs on several occasions by my marijuana suppliers when I 
was a user of marijuana, which is more than 15 years ago. (Yet, I've 
never been offered a free sample of whiskey or vodka when buying beer or wine.)

Like the vast majority of marijuana users, I was only interested in 
marijuana and no other illegal drugs.

Fortunately, I turned down all offers of free samples of other drugs. 
Unfortunately, many others do not - thus the gateway effect.

KIRK MUSE

Mesa, Ariz.
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MAP posted-by: Beth