Pubdate: Wed, 08 Aug 2007
Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN)
Copyright: 2007 The Leader-Post Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n799/a03.html?74410
Author: Robert S. Porter

LESS BAD THAN ALCOHOL

A recent letter to the editor ("Marijuana 'gateway' drug", 
Leader-Post, July 6) raises eyebrows.

Stating, as the letter writer does, that something "right" is going 
on at a school that discourages free inquiry is immediately suspect.

His later statement about marijuana is more troubling. The "gateway 
drug" argument has been thoroughly debunked by numerous studies, 
notably the American Psychiatric Association and U.S. National 
Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine. The fact that he relies 
upon on one person for his claim that 95 per cent of hard-core drug 
users started by using marijuana should have been the greatest indicator.

Thus, "without question" (to use his own phrase), the letter writer is wrong.

It is completely illogical that marijuana is illegal -- while 
alcohol, with its myriad of social ills -- remains legal.

Instead of suppressing thought, Wawota teachers should be supporting 
individual liberty and responsibility.

Robert S. Porter

Regina
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom