Pubdate: Sat, 31 Oct 2009
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2009 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Author: John Tuttle

ALCOHOL IS THE REAL GATEWAY DRUG

In George Will's Oct. 29 syndicated column he quoted Director of the
Office of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske's answer when
asked if he thinks marijuana is a gateway drug. Kerlikowske said, "You
don't find many heroin users who didn't start with marijuana."

I wonder how many started with alcohol? Just as many - probably many
more, I bet.

There are other things to consider regarding this issue, as
well.

How many people die each year of alcohol overdoses? Tens of thousands.
How many people die each year of marijuana overdoses? Zero. (They fall
asleep long before that can happen.)

Which of the two is the most dangerous drug?

John Tuttle,  Seattle
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake