Pubdate: Thu, 28 Feb 2002
Source: Messenger-Inquirer (KY)
Copyright: 2002 Messenger-Inquirer
Contact:  http://www.messenger-inquirer.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1285
Author: Donny Johnson
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n306/a08.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

WHY IS MARIJUANA CONSIDERED WORSE THAN CIGARETTES?

The Feb. 21 article discussing the acceptance of marijuana use in the 
Netherlands should open our minds to the hypocrisy of our laws. For the 
most part, people view drugs, including marijuana, as a bane of the 
community and use the law to fight it as vehemently as one would fight rape 
or murder. Meanwhile, complacency for cigarette smoking is the norm.

What are the evils of marijuana use? According to the surgeon general, some 
are impaired immune response, possible adverse effects on the heart and 
interference with prenatal development.

What are the evils of cigarette smoking? The list includes all of the 
above, plus emphysema, lung cancer, etc. Each year, smoking kills more 
people than AIDS, alcohol, drug abuse, car crashes, murders, suicides and 
fires, combined.

Marijuana use is forbidden, but where are the laws preventing smoking? 
While preaching that illicit drugs account for 85 percent of Kentucky's 
crimes and many deaths, one should also rant about the more than $50 
billion spent annually to treat tobacco-related health problems and the 
five million children living today who will die prematurely because of 
smoking. And don't forget that smoking kills more than 400,000 people every 
year.

Why is drug use the issue over which we all fret? Because if there were no 
other demons to fight, smokers would be forced to deal with the 
consequences that they bring on themselves and others. Many will say "mind 
your own business," but it's much too late for that. My business and 
everyone's is caring for my family and friends. Will I care if they smoke 
marijuana? Yes, but it's not marijuana that puts people in the hospital.

Donny Johnson,  Owensboro
- ---
MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager