Source: Chicago Tribune (IL) Contact: http://www.chicagotribune.com/ Forum: http://www.chicagotribune.com/interact/boards/ Copyright: 1998 Chicago Tribune Company Pubdate: 5 Jan 1998 Author: Erik Rasmussen Section: Sec. 1 Note: This letter appeared above another letter titled "Dangers of Pot." BENEFITS OF POT CHICAGO -- The long-winded, one-sided, anti-marijuana commentary (Voice, Dec. 24) by Peter B. Bensinger, former administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, needs to be balanced. He is criticizing the Tribune's Nov.8 editorial "Groundswell for medical marijuana." Please compare marijuana with nicotine. Which product has done and does more harm to people? Which is more addictive? Does nicotine have any therapeutic value? Most people know the answers. We all know that nicotine is very harmful and that kids are being encouraged by the greedy, selfish and irresponsible tobacco tycoons every day to become more dependent on nicotine. Did Mr. Bensinger ever do any research in Holland, where marijuana is used for both therapy and relaxation? He could learn a lot from the bright and honest Dutch people who are known to use a lot of common sense. Erik Rasmussen - --- MAP posted-by: Mike Gogulski