RETHINK MARIJUANA LAWS

James Thalman raises a number of noteworthy issues related to America's
"war on drugs" (May 4). This failed "war" is particularly irrational
when applied to marijuana, a substance well documented in the scientific
literature to be far less harmful than legal drugs such as tobacco and
alcohol.

Rethinking our marijuana laws need not imply approval of the use of
marijuana or any other drug. If we treated marijuana under the law the
same way we treat alcohol, we more effectively control its
distribution, do a better job of curbing misuse and abuse and reduce
crime.

Bruce Mirken Director of communications Marijuana Policy Project

Washington, D.C.