DEWITT'S VIEWS ON MARIJUANA ILL-INFORMED

Dear Editor: Robert DeWitt's unscientific and unsubstantiated
concerns regarding marijuana legalization epitomize our present
society's double standard regarding marijuana and alcohol ('Marijuana
legalization is not a bright idea,' Aug. 26). He writes: 'They say
it's not addictive, but I've watched it consume people's lives. They
smoke pot, they hang out with people who smoke pot and they talk to
each other about smoking pot.'

Funny, last I checked, people who drink alcohol 'hang out with people
who (consume alcohol) and they talk to each other about (consuming
alcohol).' Sometimes they even get together for the expressed purpose
of consuming alcohol -- at an establishment (a bar) where the sole
activity is to consume alcohol. I suppose they are all addicts, too?

Let's face facts. Most adults use marijuana in a manner that is
remarkably similar to the way their colleagues use alcohol -- to
enhance relaxation. It is illogical and irrational to continue to
waste taxpayers' resources to criminally sanction those tens of
millions of Americans who make this choice.

Paul Armentano, deputy director

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

Washington, D.C.