MARIJUANA STATEMENTS MISLEADING

To the editor:

I would like to correct some misleading quotes of Joseph Califano, chairman
of the National Centre on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia
University, used by John M. Conrod (Stop The Decriminalization Of
Marijuana, May 30, 2003).

Joseph Califano does not allow peer review of his research. In the U. S. he
is quoted only by those payrolled by the drug war.

Mr. Conrod quotes the "gateway theory" and links schizophrenia,
damaged memory, motor skills and ability to concentrate to cannabis use.

A quote from Andrew Morral, associates director of RAND's Public Safety and
Justice unit, published in the British journal 'Addiction' (peer reviewed)
last December. "While the gateway theory has enjoyed popular acceptance,
scientists have always had their doubts. Our study shows that these doubts
are justified." A report from the Institute of Medicine released March 1999.

"There is no conclusive evidence that the drug effects of marijuana are
causally linked to the subsequent abuse of other illicit drugs."

Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol, the active and most demonized ingredient in
marijuana, naturally simulates dopamine. Dopaminergic pathways play a
critical role in both Parkinson's and schizophrenia. Both disorders are
associated with improper regulation of dopamine.
Delta-9Tetrahydrocannabinol was approved by the U.S. federal Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) as Marinol in 1986.

Lancet, British Medical journal, November 1998. "The smoking of cannabis,
even long term, is not harmful to health. It would be reasonable to judge
cannabis as less of a threat than alcohol or tobacco."

Larry Seguin,

Lisbon, New York