Pubdate: Fri, 13 Feb 2009 Source: Maui News, The (HI) Copyright: 2009 The Maui News Contact: http://www.mauinews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2259 Author: Don Jusko ALCOHOL VERSUS TOBACCO IGNORES A BETTER OPTION Which should be condemned by higher taxes, alcohol or tobacco? A Feb. 7 writer said tobacco because alcohol reduces stress, enhances mood and cognitive performance, reduces depression and improves performance in the elderly. According to the American Medical Association - www.csdp.org/research/1238 - in 2000 there were 425,000 deaths attributed to tobacco, 494,921 deaths due to overweight, 43,354 vehicle deaths, including 16,845 that were alcohol related, 118,539 alcohol-induced deaths, 69,989 deaths to alcohol-related diseases, 140,000 alcohol deaths with previous drinkers included, zero deaths due to marijuana. Marijuana is good for you. It reduces stress, enhances mood and cognitive performance, reduces depression, improves performance in the elderly and adds creativity. As an added bonus, potheads are not aggressive and would not willingly fight, unlike alcoholics. Plus, it cuts down on cigarette smoking. Don Jusko Makawao - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart