WHATEVER THE POTENCY OF POT, BOOZE IS STILL DRUG OF CHOICE AMONG YOUNG

I object to the scare tactics in the April 23 story about marijuana.
We need to see a side-by-side comparison with other abused
substances, such as alcohol or cigarettes, to truly understand its impact.

Marijuana may be a gateway to illegal drug use the way beer is a
gateway to alcoholism. Most alcoholics probably started with beer,
but most beer drinkers do not become alcoholics.

We know that alcoholism and nicotine addiction cost billions in
health care and lost lives every year. Studies have shown that
nicotine is addictive in the same range as narcotics, but cigarette
use in young children is almost shrugged off. And parents are not
encouraged to turn their children in to the police if beer is used illegally.

I'm not advocating marijuana use, but how can we refuse to do
scientific research in an area where we spend so many prevention
dollars? Until the research is complete, I suggest we use some of our
drug-prevention budget on the known evils of alcoholism and nicotine addiction.

- -- Gail Halloran

Iowa City.