To the editor,

If the administration of a caffeine blocker were to produce
strokes, rather than the normal caffeine withdrawal headaches, would
coffee suddenly be seen as a life threatening drug?

When it was discovered that strenuous exercise stimulates the
release of endorphins (hence the "runner's high"), similar to opiates,
was running denounced as a "gateway" activity?

Of coursed not.

While the discovery of the mechanism by which marijuana acts on
the brain is interesting, it does not change what is already known about
the drug.

That is, that it is nonaddictive, presents zero danger of
overdose, and can be discontinued easily and without ill effects.

Lynn Carol
San Diego, Calif.