Pubdate: Mon, 01 Mar 1999
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 1999, The Tribune Co.
Contact:  http://www.tampatrib.com/
Forum: http://tampabayonline.net/interact/welcome.htm
Author: Abigail Van Buren and Steve J.Wilcott, San Francisco

BATTLE LINES HARD TO DRAW IN WAR AGAINST DRUGS

Dear Abby: I'm responding to the letter in your column from our federal drug
czar, Barry R. McCaffrey. The general is not an M.D. or social worker, and
isn't qualified to speak on the drug problem. None of what he suggests will
prevent drug abuse. Furthermore, he recently made himself look foolish with
his inaccurate statement that Holland has a higher crime rate than the
United States due to Holland's liberal drug policies. In fact, Holland has a
much lower crime rate and a lower rate of drug abuse than the U.S.
Obviously, Holland's moderate approach works far better than our draconian
criminal approach.

The United States should follow Holland's good example and make a
distinction between marijuana and hard drugs. The alleged dangers of
marijuana have been absurdly exaggerated. There is a growing mountain of
hard scientific evidence that marijuana is not harmful unless used in very
large doses. By lying about the dangers of marijuana, we cast doubt on the
warnings about truly dangerous cocaine, LSD, heroin and designer drugs.

We shouldn't ruin the lives of young people -- or anyone else -- by jailing
them for smoking marijuana, nor should sick people be denied medical
marijuana.

I have read your columns for 25 years, Abby. You have good sense. I hope
you'll seriously consider that prohibition is not preventing abuse or
addiction, but is instead greatly worsening the drug situation. Prohibition
didn't work with alcohol, and is an even bigger failure with marijuana.

Steve J. Wilcott, San Francisco

Dear Steve: I agree that marijuana laws are overdue for an overhaul. I also
favor the medical use of marijuana -- if it's prescribed by a physician. I
cannot understand why the federal government should interfere with the
doctor-patient relationship, nor why it would ignore the will of a majority
of voters who have legally approved such legislation.

However, regardless of whether Gen. McCaffrey is right or wrong about the
crime rate in Holland, I'm staunchly behind his effort to initiate dialogue
between concerned parents and children about drugs. Honest dialogue is
essential. Parents must level with their children about which drugs are
dangerous and which are not, or they'll lose their credibility and be
disregarded. This is especially important at a time when drug dealers offer
an array of new designer drugs -- some virtually undetectable, and some of
which can be fatal.

An excellent book on the subject of marijuana is "Marijuana Myths, Marijuana
Facts" by Lynn Zimmer, Ph.D., and John P. Morgan, M.D., published by the
Lindesmith Center in New York. It can be ordered through Bookworld Cos. by
calling 800-444-2524. The cost is $12.95 per book, plus $3.95 per book
shipping and handling. When ordering, please provide the following ISBN
number: 0-9641568-4- 9.

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