Pubdate: Thu, 08 Nov 2007 Source: New Paltz Oracle (SUNY, NY Edu) Contact: http://oracle.newpaltz.edu/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3783 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n1280/a03.html Author: Stan White PUSHING FOR SENSIBLE DRUG LAWS Dear Editor, No doubt, discriminating provisions of the Higher Education Act must be amended "Should Students With Drug Convictions Get Financial Aid?: Yes," (Nov. 1, 2007) which mostly involves cannabis (kaneh bosm / marijuana) violations since it's the focus of the war on drugs. Cannabis isn't even a drug but rather a relatively safe God-given plant. By prohibiting cannabis does the government steer students toward using alcohol, which is more dangerous? Students don't lose financial aid if caught with alcohol. Cannabis is safer than alcohol especially when compared to whiskey, and it's less addictive than coffee. It is unrealistic that the federal government claims cannabis is a Schedule I substance along with heroin, while meth is only a Schedule II substance. Cannabis laws should be the same as alcohol and then students would not be losing aid for cannabis use. Sincerely, Stan White Dillon, Colorado - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman