Pubdate: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 Source: Inverness Courier , The (UK) Contact: 2007 Scottish Provincial Press Ltd. Website: http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4582 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1180/a11.html Author: Kirk Muse CANNABIS IS PREFERABLE TO ALTERNATIVES Sir, I'm writing about: "Random tests force increased use of hard drugs" (Courier 12.10.07). As the parent of a 16-year-old, ideally my son will never use any illegal drugs. However, if he does use an illegal drug, I would hope it's cannabis and only cannabis. Drug testing discourages this because cannabis is fat soluble. As a result, marijuana stays in a person's system for up to several weeks. On the other hand, drugs like meth, cocaine and heroin exit the body within a few days because they are water-soluble. Drug testing discourages cannabis use and encourages use of much more dangerous drugs like meth, cocaine and heroin. Would you want your children experimenting with meth or heroin instead of cannabis? Meth and heroin can and do kill. Cannabis does not. Meth, cocaine and heroin are highly addictive. Cannabis is not. Kirk Muse, Mesa, Arizona, USA - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom