Pubdate: Mon, 30 Mar 2009 Source: New University (CA Edu) Copyright: 2009 New University Newspaper Contact: http://www.newuniversity.org/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2812 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n285/a09.html Author: Stan White MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION WOULD BE BENEFICIAL Another beneficial component of re-legalizing cannabis (marijuana) that doesn't get mentioned (Revolution Time: We Need Weed, Mar. 9, 2009) is that it will lower hard drug addiction rates. DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) will have to stop brainwashing youth into believing lies, half-truths and propaganda concerning cannabis, which will create grave problems in the future. 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. Furthermore, regulated cannabis sales would make it so that 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, Colorado - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake