PROHIBITION WRONG WAY TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE

Dear Abby: I'm responding to the letter from our federal drug czar, Barry
R. McCaffrey. The general is not an M.D. or social worker, and isn't
qualified to speak on the drug problem.

None of what he suggests will prevent drug abuse. Furthermore, he recently
made himself look foolish with his inaccurate statement that Holland has a
higher crime rate than the United States due to Holland's liberal drug
policies.

In fact, Holland has a much lower crime rate and a lower rate of drug abuse
than the U.S. Obviously, Holland's moderate approach works far better than
our draconian criminal approach.

The United States should follow Holland's good example and make a
distinction between marijuana and hard drugs.

The alleged dangers of marijuana have been absurdly exaggerated. By lying
about the dangers of marijuana, we cast doubt on the warnings about truly
dangerous cocaine, LSD, heroin and designer drugs.

We shouldn't ruin the lives of young people -- or anyone else -- by jailing
them for smoking marijuana, nor should sick people be denied medical
marijuana.

Abby, I hope you'll seriously consider that prohibition is not preventing
abuse or addiction, but is instead greatly worsening the drug situation.
Prohibition didn't work with alcohol, and is an even bigger failure with
marijuana. (--)STEVE J. WILCOTT, SAN FRANCISCO

Dear Steve: I agree that marijuana laws are overdue for an overhaul.

I also favor the medical use of marijuana -- if it's prescribed by a
physician.

I cannot understand why the federal government should interfere with the
doctor-patient relationship, nor why it would ignore the will of a majority
if voters who have legally approved such legislation.

However, regardless of whether Gen. McCaffrey is right or wrong about the
crime rate in Holland, I'm staunchly behind his effort to initiate dialogue
between concerned parents and children about drugs.

Honest dialogue is essential. Parents must level with their children about
which drugs are dangerous and which are not, or they'll lose their
credibility and be disregarded. An excellent book on the subject of
marijuana is "Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts" by Lynn Zimmer, Ph.D., and
John P. Morgan, M.D., published by the Lindesmith Center in New York. It
can be ordered through Bookworld Cos. by calling (800) 444-2524. The cost
is $12.95 per book, plus $3.95 per book shipping and handling.

When ordering, please provide the following ISBN number: 0-9641568-4-9.

Problems? Write to Dear Abby, Wichita Eagle, P.O. Box 820, Wichita, Kan.
67201-0820. For a personal reply, enclose a self-addressed, stamped
envelope. All correspondence is confidenitial