BE HONEST WITH KIDS

Regarding "Parents Are Still The Best Antidrug" (Our Opinion, Feb. 22):

Parents should talk honestly with their teenagers about drugs. The key word
here is "honestly," and sadly, the White House ad campaign referred to in
your editorial distorts and exaggerates the dangers of marijuana.

"Smoking pot can affect the brain," the ad warns darkly. So can drinking
coffee or Coca- Cola, both of which contain a central nervous system
stimulant - caffeine. And, the evidence shows little or no long-term harm
to the brain from smoking marijuana. You would never know that from these ads.

There are good reasons for kids not to smoke marijuana. But kids see right
through exaggerated scare tactics and, as a result, may disregard warnings
about much more dangerous substances, such as speed or cocaine. Truth is
the real antidrug.

BRUCE MIRKEN, Washington, D.C.

The writer is director of communications with the Marijuana Policy Project.
Web site: www.mpp.org.