TELL YOUTH ABOUT MARIJUANA'S DANGERS

Regarding the column on marijuana ("Marijuana harmless? Hardly," @issue,
Dec. 30): Eventually, I realized I had to look into why I was choosing to
alter my state of consciousness, and the inevitable harm I was doing to
myself and others.

After all, I had a good job and was able to function well enough in
society. But the fact that I looked forward to getting a buzz or getting
high on a regular basis led to a decision to quit alcohol and drugs.

It is my hope that today's youth will understand that the old saying
"experience is the best teacher" is not true. Someone else's experience is
really the best teacher.

RICK BARNETT, Alpharetta