Pubdate: Wed, 18 Mar 2009
Source: Daily Collegian (PA Edu)
Copyright: 2009 Collegian Inc.
Contact:  http://www.collegian.psu.edu/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/543
Author: Stan White

LEGALIZATION OF MARIJUANA WOULD LOWER ADDICTION RATES

Another beneficial component of re-legalizing cannabis (marijuana) 
that doesn't get mentioned in Margaret Miceli's March 16 column 
"Legalizing marijuana can help economy" is that it will lower hard 
drug addiction rates.

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) will have to stop brainwashing 
youth into believing lies, half-truths and propaganda concerning 
cannabis, which creates grave future problems.

How many citizens try cannabis and realize it's not nearly as harmful 
as taught in DARE-type government environments? Then they think other 
substances must not be so bad either, only to become addicted to deadly drugs.

The old lessons make cannabis out to be among the worst substances in 
the world, even though it's less addictive than coffee and has never 
killed a single person.

The federal government even classifies cannabis as a Schedule I 
substance along with heroin, while methamphetamine and cocaine are 
only Schedule II substances. For the health and welfare of America's 
children and adults, that dangerous and irresponsible message 
absolutely must change.

Further, regulated cannabis sales would make it so citizens who 
purchase cannabis would not come into contact with people who often 
also sell hard drugs which would lower hard drug addiction rates.

Stan White

Dillon, Colo.
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