Pubdate: 16 Nov 1998
Source: San Antonio Express-News (TX)
Contact:  http://www.expressnews.com
Copyright: 1998 San Antonio Express-News
Author: Gregg Davis

TRUTH ABOUT DRUGS NOT BEING TOLD

Parents, educators, politicians and the media must stop lying to young
people if they want to maintain any credibility about drug use. The truth
is not politically correct.

Alcohol and tobacco use account for far more disease and death than all
illegal drugs combined; both are toxic, and tobacco is extremely addictive.
Alcohol is addictive to some people and accounts for more acts of violence
under its influence than all illegal drugs combined. However, adults are
free to use them with some restrictions.

Marijuana, like alcohol and tobacco, should not be used by children. But,
it is neither addicting nor toxic. Its use without alcohol is not linked to
violent behavior. Its effects on the senses and mental abilities are much
milder than alcohol's.

Many people who try marijuana don't like it. Few adults who use it suffer
any adverse effects other than legal ones. Contrary to current propaganda,
the pot of today is about the same as it was in the '60s and '70s.

Marijuana has various legitimate uses as a medicine. Adult citizens caught
with it for any reason can and do get up to life in prison.

We need to get our priorities straight.

Gregg Davis

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Checked-by: Pat Dolan