BOOK INSTRUCTS LEGAL HIGHS

Toad venom may be the new marijuana, come Dec. 30.

Just what is the cause that will make toads so coveted? The answer: a
book called Legally Stoned by forensic psychologist Todd A. Theis.

Described by Citadel Press as "the first 'how-to' book for legal drug
use," Legally Stoned will inform readers how to get high without
breaking the law.

Included will be a list of 14 psychoactive substances accompanied
with pictures. For each substance listed, Theis provides a basic
description, its history, chemical makeup, how to obtain and use the
substance, the physiological effects, the reported effects, and
possible risks associated with use.

What kind of effect will a book like this have on our society?
Students at UCF seem to think it will be educational above all else.

Junior Nicole Imperial, 20, thinks the book will be informative, and
if anyone has a problem with it, it'll probably be the baby-boomer generation.

"Personally, I think the positive effects will outweigh the negative
effects," Imperial said.

Junior Renee LeMieux, 22, is also in support of the book's potential
to be educational.

"Society is becoming more accepting toward drug use whether it be
Advil for a headache, coffee before an early class or a joint right
before bed. People should be educated regardless of the drug being
legal or illegal," LeMieux wrote in an email.

In addition to information on substances, Theis will address the
social and political aspects of drug use and give his own argument
against the war on drugs.

"It's all propaganda is what it is," said Andre Cadieux, the
president of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, about the war on drugs.

Cadieux, who explained that his club isn't even about drugs but about
civil liberties, doesn't think the book will have a big effect and
that the war on drugs was dubbed as such by politicians.

Many students expressed concern not about the book but about the
current restrictions placed on drug use and the punitive measures
taken against those who break the rules so to speak.

"I think the current restrictions on drug use are too severe, along
with the punishments that go along with breaking the restrictions if
one chooses to do so," 23-year-old senior Lauren Gwynn said.

Gwynn also said that it's drug abuse, not use, that is the problem
and that drug abusers should be thrown in rehab instead of in jail.

Senior Chris Bodenhamer, 21, also said that society should be less
punitive and focus more on helping those with addictions and other
mental health issues.

Junior Elizabeth Crespo, 19, said drug use is always going to be a problem.

"I think people are going to use the drugs regardless," said Crespo.

Cadieux said that most people who use psychoactive substances are
already aware of the ones Theis will be publishing information about
in the book.

"If it's not popular by now, it's for a reason," Cadieux said.