Pubdate: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 Source: Jamaica Observer (Jamaica) Copyright: 2003 The Jamaica Observer Ltd, Contact: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1127 Author: Kirk Muse Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1907/a11.html TELL US TO CRIMINALISE TOBACCO Dear Editor, I'm writing about your thoughtful editorial, "A rational decision on marijuana, please" of December 12. Marijuana is a natural herb that has never been documented to kill a single person in the 5,000-year history of its use. If the United States government is concerned about Jamaica legalising or decriminalising marijuana, please tell them to mind their own business or to first criminalise tobacco. Tobacco is a mind-altering, highly-addictive drug that kills greater than 5.8 million people ever year. No Americans die from Jamaican marijuana, but the same cannot be said about Jamaicans dying from American tobacco products. If Jamaica is a free, independent and sovereign country, please just act like it and stop just proclaiming it. Kirk Muse 1741 S Clearview Ave Mesa, AZ 85208 U S A