MARIJUANA INACCURACIES PERPETUATE SAME OLD STEREOTYPES

RE: "MORE POTENT MARIJUANA," (9/14/00)

Any reporter who would like to find accurate information about marijuana
can do so. That is why I was so puzzled to read Ms. Boyce's article, "With
more potent marijuana, city police taking usage more seriously," regarding
the police crackdown on local marijuana usage. Accurate reporting was
notably absent as the article continually strayed into inflammatory "reefer
madness" rhetoric.

From the initial assertion that "marijuana usage has continuously been a
problem in Madison," to the illogical link of a more potent strain with
lethal risk, the article routinely echoed the unqualified platform of
groups like Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

Even if the authorities are to be believed about "a more potent strain,"
increased potency only means people will use less of the drug to achieve
the same effect. And there has never been a single recorded death from an
overdose of marijuana, ever.

As if the lies already printed were not translucent enough, the article
goes on to link marijuana with homicides and sexual assault. Once again,
exaggerated fears are thrown on to the public in an attempt to justify
wasting resources on marijuana arrests. There is no excuse for portraying a
marijuana user as a likely perpetrator of violent crimes including murder
and rape.

The article would not have been complete if the so-called "Gateway Theory"
did not pop up just before the article ended. Boyce writes, "Many health
agencies and the Madison Police Department report many serious drug habits
begin with marijuana use."

Over 72 million Americans have used marijuana, yet for every 120 people who
have ever tried marijuana, there is only one active, regular user of cocaine.

Finally, what does it say about the way our community reacts to drugs when
three UW students did not even feel comfortable enough to use their name
when questioned about drug use on this campus?

Mary J. Anslinger UW sophomore