Pubdate: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 Source: Daily News, The (Newburyport, MA) Copyright: 2009 Eagle Tribune Publishing Company Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/k3oQxseR Website: http://www.newburyportnews.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/693 Author: Stan White Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n028/a03.html?1087 GATEWAY THEORY DISCREDITED To the editor: Sgt. Steve Chaisson of the Newburyport Police Department ("More marijuana fines possible," Jan. 9) sums it all up: "Marijuana is a gateway drug no matter what people say." In reality, nearly every study including government studies historically discredit the gateway theory. But that doesn't matter. Police and their unions are contributors of the gateway effect by using lobbyists to perpetuate cannabis (marijuana) position which forces sales by the same people who often sell honest addictive hard drugs. It is disgusting that the law enforcement community is so bent on being mean and discriminating against otherwise responsible adults. Stan White Dillon, Colo - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin