MARIJUANA 'GATEWAY' DRUG

Each year, I speak to hundreds of young people about the hazards of
substance abuse. In the last three years, I have spoken twice to the
students at Parkland Regional High School in Wawota.

On each occasion, I have been met by a vibrant, outgoing, congenial
staff. The students are open, friendly and respectful. There is an
aura of respect about the entire school. Something very "right" is
going on at the school.

Students attend school in order to learn to prepare themselves for
the future. Someone has to take a leadership role and provide
direction. From my experience, principal Susan Wilson's leadership is
second to none. If I had youngsters attending school, I would be more
than happy to have them attend this Wawota school.

I have worked with a recovering drug addict. She had been addicted to
pretty well every illegal drug. She tells me that 95 per cent of
hard-core addicts claim their first drug experience was "just a
joint". Without question, marijuana is a gateway drug. Allowing it to
be promoted in high school is a recipe for disaster.

Certainly, if gravely ill people get relief from marijuana, by all
means, allow them to use it.

Why do people think they have to smoke up on the courthouse steps in
order to get attention?

Jim Pedersen

Milestone