ANOTHER SIDE EFFECT OF TESTING FOR DRUGS

I'm writing about the Daily Mail's Oct. 19 thoughtful editorial,
"Just say no to drug testing."

As the parent of a 16-year-old, the ideal is that my son will never
use any illegal drugs. However, if he does use an illegal drug, I
would hope it is marijuana and only marijuana.

Drug testing discourages this, because marijuana is fat-soluble. As a
result, marijuana stays in a person's system for up to several weeks.

On the other hand, drugs like meth, cocaine and heroin exit the body
within a few days because they are water-soluble.

Drug testing discourages marijuana use and encourages use of much
more dangerous drugs like meth, cocaine and heroin.

Would you want your children experimenting with meth or heroin
instead of marijuana?

Meth and heroin can and do kill. Marijuana does not. Meth, cocaine
and heroin are highly addictive. Marijuana is not.

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.