MARIJUANA PANIC

Concerns about marijuana's potential health risks require context and
explanation.

Marijuana is not a harmless substance; no drug is. However, marijuana's
relative risks to the user -- most of which may be mitigated by consuming
cannabis in ways other than smoking -- does not support criminal
prohibition or the continued arrest of approximately 700,000 Americans on
marijuana charges every year.

According to federal statistics, approximately 80 million Americans
self-identify as having used marijuana at some point in their lives, and
relatively few acknowledge having suffered significant deleterious health
effects due to their use. Our public policies should reflect this reality,
not deny it.

Paul Armentano

Washington, D.C.

Senior Policy Analyst, NORML