DON'T BELIEVE THE SCARE TACTICS

A recent article in the journal, Psychopharmacology, states that "No
evidence was found for long-term deficits in working memory and
selective attention in frequent cannabis users after one week of
abstinence." It also states that "cannabis users did not differ from
controls in terms of overall patterns of brain activity in the region
involved in the cognitive functions."

Previous reports of other clinical trials have reported similar
results (Psychological Medicine, 2004; International
Neuropsychological Society, 2003; and Canadian Medical Association
Journal, 2002.)

Reports of children being "knocked on their (butt)," losing
scholarships, dropping out of school, and attempting suicide because
of their use of marijuana is citing reactions of a minority of
youthful users. In fact, a majority of users lead productive lives.
More scholarships are lost through being arrested while in possession
of a joint or a bud than are lost through becoming stupid or
apathetic as a result of smoking marijuana.

Using inaccurate information and scare tactics is one sure way to
teach our youth that authority figures lie and to cause them to
disbelieve everything they are told. We would rather have our
children using marijuana than alcohol or tobacco. Alcohol can make
people mean, tobacco has well known deadly consequences, and both can
be addictive. Finally, more potent pot means less will be smoked to
enjoy its effects.

Carol deProsse, Lone Tree

Caroline Dieterle, Iowa City