PERCEPTION OF COCAINE SHOWS TEENS AREN'T FOOLED

In response to "Health officials find more teens using marijuana" (May 23):

According to Dennis Nalty, research director for the S.C. Department
of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, "Young people do not
perceive marijuana and cigarettes as being as dangerous as other
illicit drugs like cocaine."

While I agree that kids should take the risks of marijuana use
seriously, I'm glad that they have been able to conclude that cocaine
is much more dangerous. We need to step away from the traditional
means used to prevent drug abuse -- misinformation. Let the people
know the truth, and the country will be saved.

DANNY TERWEY
Santa Cruz, Calif.

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