FACE FACTS ABOUT MARIJUANA

Can we handle the truth about marijuana? Let's see:

Myth: Marijuana is a gateway drug.

Fact: For every 104 people who have used marijuana, there is only one
regular user of cocaine and less than one heroin addict.

Myth: Marijuana is addictive.

Fact: Less than 1 percent of people who consume marijuana do so on a daily
or near daily basis. An even smaller minority develops dependence on
marijuana. Withdrawal symptoms, if experienced at all, are mild.

Myth: Marijuana lowers motivation.

Fact: For 25 years, researchers have searched for a marijuana-induced
amotivational syndrome and have failed to find it. Of course, people who are
constantly intoxicated, no matter what the drug, are not likely to be
productive.

Myth: Higher concentrations of THC make marijuana more dangerous.

Fact: There is no possibility of a fatal overdose from smoking marijuana,
regardless of potency. High-potency marijuana may be less harmful to the
lungs because people can use less to achieve the desired effects.

Myth: Marijuana causes brain damage.

Fact: No medical test used to determine brain damage has indicated brain
damage in humans who use marijuana -- even after long-term use (Source:
Common Sense for Drug Policy found at htp://www.drugsense.org).

A study conducted by the California Highway Patrol in 1986 found that some
people drive better under the influence of marijuana. The study wasn't
widely circulated. Tax dollars at work! (Source: "Marijuana law," Richard
Glen Boire, Ronin Publishing, Inc.)

Before voting, it is your obligation to educate yourself. If you understand
the subject, you will support the hemp initiative.

Marty C. Keef, Girdwood