Pubdate: Wed, 17 Apr 2002
Source: City Paper (MD)
Copyright: 2002 Baltimore City Paper
Contact:  http://www.citypaper.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/610
Author: Stephen Heath
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n589/a04.html (Article, 
March 27)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n671/a10.html (Letter, April 3)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

THE STRAIGHT DOPE

The letter in response to the story on medical marijuana (The Mail, March 
3; "Grass Roots," March 27,) makes several valid points. There are 
additional key reasons why prohibitionists insist on not allowing 
medical-marijuana laws to be passed.

If the federal government lets states allow legal access to medical 
marijuana for an extended period, three realities will emerge after just a 
few years of patient analysis: Medical marijuana patients will not move on 
to use more dangerous illicit drugs, thus proving the "gateway theory" to 
be the myth that most researchers already recognize it as. Patients will 
not rob or commit other crimes to fund their "habit," nor will they sell 
marijuana to our children--both common concerns expressed as reasons to 
oppose legal and regulated access to marijuana for adults. And finally, 
those patients not fully crippled by their illnesses will lead full and 
productive lives while including marijuana as part of their regular regimen.

Marijuana use has risks, as does all drug use. However, in comparison to 
heavy-duty and addictive narcotics, or to alcohol, it is far less 
dangerous. Therefore, there is no rational reason to arrest adults who use 
it responsibly.

Stephen Heath

Public Relations Director, Drug Policy Forum of Florida

Clearwater, Fla.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Alex