CHANGES TO MARIJUANA LAWS

DOPE MORE DEAR THAN GOLD

Regarding the Chronicle's Jan. 3 editorial "Diversion/Reducing penalties
for possession of small amounts of marijuana is a sensible idea": This
common-sense analysis should embolden readers to contact their state
legislators referencing the editorial as a strong stepping-stone toward
sanity in the drug war.

The label of marijuana was used by the first drug czar, Harry J. Anslinger,
to create "reefer madness" over a "creeping danger" infiltrating our nation
by way of "Mexican hoodlums." Now forgotten by most is the fact that until
1937, cannabis was sold over the counter in a dozen varieties, including
extracts and tinctures prescribed by doctors, and was listed for 70 years
in the U.S. pharmacopeia.

But no matter whether it was a conspiracy of media giants, a racial roundup
to corral Mexicans and blacks or a simple scam to ensure billions in
eternal profits for drug traffickers, the drug war is a sham - top to
bottom and worldwide.

Our government claims we are winning the war on drugs, yet most drugs are
cheaper, purer and more available to our children than ever before.

Thanks to the crackdown on cannabis users, the cost of this one drug is
rising, and it can now cost more per ounce than pure gold.

Many proclaim it a great success that young people are using less cannabis
these days, but not mentioned is the fact that they are inhaling more
(cheaper) solvents.

Dean Becker

Houston