CANNABIS HEALTH RISKS CALL FOR EDUCATION, NOT PROHIBITION

Re: Marijuana's scary science, July 26.

Columnist Margret Kopala's claims that cannabis use is a causal factor
in mental illness are far from scientifically established. At best, an
observable association between cannabis use and mental illness has
been established in a minority of users; however, much of this
association may stem from the use of other drugs or from individuals
with psychotic symptoms self-medicating with marijuana.

More important, such potential health risks associated with cannabis
use -- when scientifically documented -- should not be seen as
legitimate reasons for criminal prohibition. Rather, such effects
support the call for legally regulating marijuana so that officials
can better educate users on its potential risks, and so that better
safeguards may be enacted restricting its use among potentially
vulnerable populations, especially young people.

Ms. Kopala's remarks, even if taken at face value, no more warrant the
continued criminalization of pot than does the desire that pregnant
women refrain from alcohol warrant the blanket prohibition of booze.

Paul Armentano,

Washington, D.C.

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Foundation