Pubdate: Thurs, 22 Apr 1999
Source: State Journal-Register (IL)
Copyright: 1999 The State Journal-Register
Contact:  http://www.sj-r.com/
Author: George Atterberry
Note: The referenced PUB LTE is at:
http://www.mapinc.org/letters/1999/03/lte54.html

U.S. MUST ADDRESS HYPOCRISY OF DRUG POLICY

Dear Editor,

The recent letter by Larry Stevens is right on target.  In any
scientific comparative analysis, marijuana does not come even close to
being as dangerous as household inhalants.  Furthermore, the British
medical journal Lancet has proclaimed that moderate marijuana use is
safer than tobacco and alcohol use.

Another study, done by the University of Toronto, found that those who
consume  moderate amounts of marijuana are not much more dangerous
behind the wheel than completely sober drivers.

The contradictions in U.S. drug policy are overwhelming in that the
two legal drugs (alcohol and tobacco) sold in almost every grocery
store are by far the deadliest drugs.  It is with great irony that
thousands are incarcerated for simple marijuana possession and, while
imprisoned, have state-sanctioned access to cheap cigarettes.  Such
hypocrisy must be addressed in order for a more sane policy to come
forth.

George Atterberry
Oakford

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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake