Pubdate: Mon, 28 Jan 2013
Source: Wall Street Journal (US)
Copyright: 2013 Paul H. Kuhn
Contact:  http://www.wsj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/487
Author: Paul H. Kuhn
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n037/a04.html
Note: Fourth of 4 LTEs on this subject

POT PROHIBITION, REGULATION, AND DANGER TO THE YOUNG

According to Dr. Rosenthal, "Among the many thousands of adolescents
we have treated at the programs of Phoenix House over the past four
decades, the overwhelming majority have used no drug more potent than
marijuana." I'd bet the overwhelming majority also used alcohol and
tobacco, both of which are potentially more potent and deadly than
marijuana but apparently are not considered "drugs" by Dr. Rosenthal.

And I'd guess that many, if not a majority, of teen patients in his
program are there not because they need treatment but because a court
gave them the choice between treatment and jail.

We agree with Dr. Rosenthal that marijuana is not harmless. This is
why our society should impose common-sense controls over who can
legally produce marijuana, who can distribute it, who can consume it
and under what circumstances its use is lawfully permitted. Two states
just took this step. More will follow.

Paul H. Kuhn

Chair

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

Nashville, Tenn.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D