Pubdate: Sat, 30 Dec 2000 Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2000 The Calgary Sun Contact: 2615 12 Street N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 7W9 Fax: (403) 250-4180 Website: http://www.canoe.ca/CalgarySun/ Forum: http://www.canoe.ca/Chat/home.html Author: Jason Lalancette Note: Parethetical remark by the Sun editor; headline by newshawk Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1929/a08.html DEFINITION OF ADDICTION I am writing to comment on your article titled "Pot use sky-high" (Dec. 27). There seems to be no definition of addiction in this silly article, which basically states the drug of choice for some users has been shifting from alcohol to marijuana. If that is the case, we can all be thankful that unlike alcohol, marijuana doesn't cause brain and liver damage. It is also non-addictive, so those who are truly "addicted" need to deal with whatever psychological problem expressed by their addiction. For the other 95%, they are intelligent people deciding to use a less-harmful drug than alcohol, one which doesn't cause violence, car accidents, etc. Of course, until illegal drugs are legalized and regulated, there will be plenty of criminal organizations profiting. Jason Lalancette (If pot is for smart people, why do they call it dope?) - --- MAP posted-by: Terry F