DRUG CHIEF SOUNDS ALARM ON POT, TEENS

WASHINGTON (AP) - The nation's drug policy director warned parents Tuesday
against trivializing the dangers of marijuana to their kids, warning them
that more teens are addicted to pot than to alcohol or to all other illegal
drugs combined.

Many parents and children have outdated perceptions about marijuana, said
John Walters, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

They believe marijuana is not addictive, that it is less dangerous than
cigarettes or that it has few long-term health consequences.

In reality, more teens enter rehabilitation centers to treat marijuana
addiction than alcohol or all illegal drugs combined, Walters said.

He announced an advertising campaign by his office and 17 education, public
health, anti-drug and family advocacy groups.