DRUG EDUCATION IN AMERICA IS FLAWED

Thanks for the astute observations of Editorial Page Editor Frances Coleman
("Talk about drugs if you like, but the problem is alcohol, Aug. 12). Her
comments remind us that current drug education is horribly flawed when it
teaches that any and all drug use is equal in risk and danger. In addition
it far too often overlooks the dangers of government-approved alcohol and
tobacco.If our drug laws were actually based on health risk potential,
rather than on standards of what is socially popular, then alcohol and
tobacco possession would carry jail sentences and marijuana would likely be
sold in regulated outlets to anyone over age 21.

STEPHEN HEATH, Drug Policy Forum of Florida, Clearwater, Fla.