Pubdate: Wed, 16 Aug 2006 Source: Central Kentucky News Journal (Campbellsville, KY) Copyright: 2006 Central Kentucky News Journal Contact: http://www.cknj.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1479 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1068/a05.html Author: Melanie Marshall IS MARIJUANA SAFER THAN CIGARETTES? The things Karen Hayes of the Anti-Drug Coalition says about the dangers of marijuana are not true. They do a good job of keeping people afraid of pot, but they are false. Yes, some people will not tolerate the effects of cannabis well, but most people do. The truth is, cannabis is safer than cigarettes or alcohol, and no one should be caged for choosing the safest alternative. We parents would be glad to teach our children about the harmful substances they will encounter, but we must have honest information before we can. After spending seven years researching cannabis prohibition, I do not appreciate the fact that we are paying $23 million a day to educate falsely and punish millions who have no victims. If you really want to help kids save their brains from destruction, please focus on activities that will actually harm them, such as inhaling household chemicals. I believe we can tell the truth and still teach them how to say no. Melanie Marshall Bellevue, Neb.