To the editor

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Stephannie Johnson for her informative report concerning the growing problem of illicit drug use in our community (see Waging War Against Drugs, February 12, 2005).

I do, however, take exception to her claim that marijuana is 'nearly harmless.'

This is a widely held notion that is both ill-informed and potentially very harmful. Consider two very troubling and serious consequences of marijuana consumption: First, its regular use is strongly associated with increased rates of apathy, anxiety and depression. Second, users of 'hard drugs' have almost universally been introduced to these drugs through prior use of marijuana.

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