DISPELLING SOME MYTHS ABOUT MARIJUANA

Despite The Post's story "New study suggests marijuana is addictive" (Oct.
16), not everybody agrees on marijuana's addictive properties. Those who
would readily agree are the thousands of users who have found themselves
drawn time and again to compulsively use and abuse this drug despite
negative health and social consequences. Additionally, the cessation of
prolonged marijuana use brings uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Any
substance that causes such behaviors and symptoms can be described as
addictive.

For the NORML Foundation to continue promoting marijuana's supposed medical
uses is one thing. To mislead and misinform the public about marijuana's
addictive properties is simply dangerous.

NORML's clever acronym name suggests something typical. Perhaps a better
acronym might be DENIAL for Don't Even Notice I Am Lying. At least the
spelling looks less like that of a marijuana smoker.

KEITH BERGER,

outreach coordinator,

Alternatives In Treatment Inc.

Boca Raton