Pubdate: Sat, 04 Aug 2007
Source: Edmond Sun, The (OK)
Copyright: 2007 The Edmond Sun
Contact:  http://edmondsun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1591
Author: John A. Williams
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

MARIJUANA STILL DRUG OF CHOICE FOR YOUTH

EDMOND -- Marijuana's popularity seemed to hit a high  in the 1960s. 
Forty years ago, during the Summer of  Love, hippies and for that 
matter anyone under 30, were  encouraged to "turn on, tune in and drop out."

But a random check of Edmond Police arrest reports on  any given day 
show marijuana still seems to be the  choice of drugs among many youth.

"It's cheap and it's easily available," said Edmond  Police 
spokeswoman Glynda Chu.

Even those who advocate a change in Oklahoma laws to  allow marijuana 
to be used medicinally agree.

"You have to be 21 to get alcohol in this state, but a  kid can buy 
marijuana from the 15-year-old down the  block," said Norma Sapp, 
state director for the  National Organization for the Reform of 
Marijuana Laws  (NORML).

A report from the U.S. Department of Justice confirms  pot readily is 
available in all areas of Oklahoma, and  is the main illegal drug of 
abuse in the state. The  report states marijuana imported from Mexico 
is  prevalent and usually is imported in combination with  other illegal drugs.

The majority of the marijuana is smuggled from the  southwest border 
via cars and occasionally in freight  vehicles. Mexican "Sensimilla," 
usually found in  pressed-brick form, is the most common type of 
marijuana seen in Oklahoma, particularly in urban  areas. But 
"homegrown" marijuana also is available in  Oklahoma.

Sapp said for the past several years, there have been  attempts to 
introduce legislation regarding the  medicinal use of marijuana and 
the production of hemp.  "The legislation has always failed to make 
it out of  committee," she said.

Seeking the support of county commissioners across the  state, Sapp 
said the decriminalization of marijuana  could ease overcrowding in 
jails and its use could  bring relief to those who painfully suffer 
with certain  ailments.

"The state prosecuted a man for growing marijuana in  his basement to 
treat his severe arthritis," Sapp said.  "Although he had no criminal 
record, he was sentenced  to 93 years in prison."

But last week researchers from the British Health  Department said 
using marijuana seems to increase the  chance of becoming psychotic. 
The new review suggests  even infrequent use could raise the small 
but real risk  of this serious mental illness by 40 percent.

"No matter what a person thinks about its supposed  value, marijuana 
is still illegal and anyone using it  will be arrested and dealt with 
in the courts," Chu  said.
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