MORE EDUCATION NEEDED ON DRUGS

Dec. 24 letter-writer Ira Adams makes several assumptions in attempting to
discredit Robert Sharpe of the Lindesmith Drug Policy Foundation in
Washington, D.C.

As someone who actively is involved with drug abusers and drug recovery
programs in Florida, I believe I can answer the questions he posed.

Sharpe did not imply that either crack cocaine or methamphetamine is low in
addictive potential. However, the suggestion that " . . . anyone cannot
quit crack and meth, according to experts" is ludicrous.

In our work we have seen thousands of Floridians not only quit, but also
stay clean of these destructive substances.

Also, neither Sharpe nor I wish " to portray tobacco as the scourge of
society." While we may encourage America's thousands of tobacco addicts to
end their use, we certainly do not view tobacco use as "the root of almost
all evil." Tobacco contributes to almost a half-million deaths annually in
the U.S., while cannabis has no toxic dosage, even long term.

I agree with Adams that we must do more to better educate our youth and
adults regarding the facts on all drug use and abuse. Ending marijuana
prohibition for adults would free more than $20 billion in federal and
state tax dollars.

These funds could go a long way to increasing not only education, but also
health and treatment options for those drugs with truly serious addictive
properties -- cocaine, methamphetamine and, yes, tobacco.