LETTER OF THE WEEK

ARGUMENT GOES TO POT

By Jerry Epstein

The letter from Stephen J. Barringer entitled "Pot reconsidered" (
May 3) is a classic example of attempts to distort science through
selective presentation. At issue is the relative danger of marijuana
when compared to other drugs of potential abuse.

Barringer stressed: "Research published in the medical journal The
Lancet... shows cannabis to be more dangerous than LSD or ecstasy."
A more accurate statement would have also said that research
published in The Lancet shows cannabis to be less dangerous than
cigarettes and much less dangerous than alcohol. ( Also, there were
two independent panels involved and one ranked ecstasy as more
dangerous than marijuana. )

Not mentioned is the fact that The Lancet ( arguably the world's
leading medical journal for a century ) has called for the
legalization of marijuana since 1995: "Sooner or later politicians
will have to stop running scared and address the evidence: cannabis
per se is not a hazard to society but driving it further underground
may well be." The Lancet is well aware of the recent claims ( grossly
exaggerated ) and has not changed its ultimate conclusion.

Most important is the fact that making a drug illegal increases its
danger, hampers productive research, prevention and treatment, does
not significantly alter its use, and does an enormous amount of
damage by creating illicit drug markets - marijuana being their
biggest seller and their bridge to offer other illicit drugs to
consumers - that bring crime, violence and corruption on a massive scale.

Jerry Epstein

Pubdate - Thu, 10 May 2007

Source - Eye Weekly (CN ON)

Referenced - http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n570/a06.html