RESPONSE TO OFFICIAL

As I read through the list of myths in your Feb. 18 article, I couldn't
help but notice the omission of the biggest marijuana myth of all:
Marijuana prohibition is an effective strategy to keep drugs out of the
hands of children. Dr. Barthwell's claims not withstanding, no credible
drug law reform activist asserts marijuana is totally benign. Nor are we
intent on "getting marijuana into the hands of more people," especially
children.

We do understand, however, that so long as there is no legal market where
adults can obtain marijuana, criminal syndicates are more than willing to
step in to fill the void. And unlike licensed, regulated vendors, drug
dealers don't check ID, making marijuana more available to children than
are alcohol or tobacco.

Maintaining the status quo of a never-ending Drug War Inc. protects the
interests of drug criminals and the jobs of those doing the prohibiting. It
does not keep drugs away from children.

Sgt. Fojtik's concluding comment inadvertently reveals much of what is
wrong with our current strategy and why it hasn't kept kids drug free, when
he speaks of "what we've been trying to preach to our kids." Take it from
me, a parent and a school counselor, when we "preach" to our kids, they
tune us out. Sgt Fojtik may wish to start listening instead.

Greg Francisco,

Educators for Sensible Drug Policies Paw Paw, Mich.