Pubdate: Thu, 21 Sep 2000
Source: Badger Herald (WI)
Copyright: 2000 Badger Herald
Address: 326 W. Gorham St., Madison WI, 53703
Fax: (608) 257-6899
Feedback: http://www.badgerherald.com/about/contact_staff.shtml
Website: http://www.badgerherald.com/
Author: Mary J. Anslinger
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1400/a01.html

MARIJUANA INACCURACIES PERPETUATE SAME OLD STEREOTYPES

RE: "MORE POTENT MARIJUANA," (9/14/00)

Any reporter who would like to find accurate information about marijuana 
can do so. That is why I was so puzzled to read Ms. Boyce's article, "With 
more potent marijuana, city police taking usage more seriously," regarding 
the police crackdown on local marijuana usage. Accurate reporting was 
notably absent as the article continually strayed into inflammatory "reefer 
madness" rhetoric.

 From the initial assertion that "marijuana usage has continuously been a 
problem in Madison," to the illogical link of a more potent strain with 
lethal risk, the article routinely echoed the unqualified platform of 
groups like Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

Even if the authorities are to be believed about "a more potent strain," 
increased potency only means people will use less of the drug to achieve 
the same effect. And there has never been a single recorded death from an 
overdose of marijuana, ever.

As if the lies already printed were not translucent enough, the article 
goes on to link marijuana with homicides and sexual assault. Once again, 
exaggerated fears are thrown on to the public in an attempt to justify 
wasting resources on marijuana arrests. There is no excuse for portraying a 
marijuana user as a likely perpetrator of violent crimes including murder 
and rape.

The article would not have been complete if the so-called "Gateway Theory" 
did not pop up just before the article ended. Boyce writes, "Many health 
agencies and the Madison Police Department report many serious drug habits 
begin with marijuana use."

Over 72 million Americans have used marijuana, yet for every 120 people who 
have ever tried marijuana, there is only one active, regular user of cocaine.

Finally, what does it say about the way our community reacts to drugs when 
three UW students did not even feel comfortable enough to use their name 
when questioned about drug use on this campus?

Mary J. Anslinger UW sophomore
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