TESTS DISCOURAGE POT, BUT BOOST USE OF ECSTASY

The April 23 article ("Drug testing helps Keesler curtail use of
ecstasy") on the increased use of ecstasy among military personnel
failed to mention the role of drug testing in promoting ecstasy use.

Drug tests encourage the use of synthetic, water-soluble drugs like
ecstasy. Marijuana is the only drug that stays in the body long
enough to make urinalysis a deterrent. Marijuana metabolites are
fat-soluble and can linger for weeks. Harder drugs are water-soluble
and exit the human body within 48 hours.

If you think drug users don't know this, think again. Anyone capable
of running a search on the Internet can find out how to thwart a drug
test.

Why is this relevant? Because the growing use of ecstasy in America
is in part a result of drug testing. A person who takes ecstasy on
Friday night will likely test clean on Monday morning. The same
applies to heroin or crack. Ironically, the least dangerous
recreational drug (marijuana) is the only drug whose use is
discouraged by testing. Drug war profiteers do not readily volunteer
this information, for obvious reasons.

The counterproductive nature of drug testing must be exposed before
the military's experience is replicated in schools and work-places
throughout the country.

ROBERT SHARPE

The Lindesmith Center
Drug Policy Foundation
Washington