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 
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart