MARIJUANA STILL DRUG OF CHOICE FOR YOUTH

EDMOND -- Marijuana's popularity seemed to hit a high in the 1960s.
Forty years ago, during the Summer of Love, hippies and for that
matter anyone under 30, were encouraged to "turn on, tune in and drop out."

But a random check of Edmond Police arrest reports on any given day
show marijuana still seems to be the choice of drugs among many youth.

"It's cheap and it's easily available," said Edmond Police
spokeswoman Glynda Chu.

Even those who advocate a change in Oklahoma laws to allow marijuana
to be used medicinally agree.

"You have to be 21 to get alcohol in this state, but a kid can buy
marijuana from the 15-year-old down the block," said Norma Sapp,
state director for the National Organization for the Reform of
Marijuana Laws (NORML).

A report from the U.S. Department of Justice confirms pot readily is
available in all areas of Oklahoma, and is the main illegal drug of
abuse in the state. The report states marijuana imported from Mexico
is prevalent and usually is imported in combination with other illegal drugs.

The majority of the marijuana is smuggled from the southwest border
via cars and occasionally in freight vehicles. Mexican "Sensimilla,"
usually found in pressed-brick form, is the most common type of
marijuana seen in Oklahoma, particularly in urban areas. But
"homegrown" marijuana also is available in Oklahoma.

Sapp said for the past several years, there have been attempts to
introduce legislation regarding the medicinal use of marijuana and
the production of hemp. "The legislation has always failed to make
it out of committee," she said.

Seeking the support of county commissioners across the state, Sapp
said the decriminalization of marijuana could ease overcrowding in
jails and its use could bring relief to those who painfully suffer
with certain ailments.

"The state prosecuted a man for growing marijuana in his basement to
treat his severe arthritis," Sapp said. "Although he had no criminal
record, he was sentenced to 93 years in prison."

But last week researchers from the British Health Department said
using marijuana seems to increase the chance of becoming psychotic.
The new review suggests even infrequent use could raise the small
but real risk of this serious mental illness by 40 percent.

"No matter what a person thinks about its supposed value, marijuana
is still illegal and anyone using it will be arrested and dealt with
in the courts," Chu said.