WONDER WHY THERE'S NO `WHISKEY PUSHERS?'

Editor, The News:

Abbotsford school trustee Uultsje DeJong should do some research on the
issue of marijuana as a gateway drug.

Contrary to Mr. DeJong's beliefs, numerous studies - including a remarkably
lucid report by the Senate - dismiss marijuana as a gateway drug.

I'm not sure it can be put any plainer than this: "Cannabis itself is not a
cause of other drug use. In this sense, we reject the gateway theory" (from
the Senate report; see link below).

A recent report by the US-based RAND think tank came to a similar conclusion:

"We've shown that the marijuana gateway effect is not the best explanation
for the link between marijuana use and the use of harder drugs. An
alternative, simpler and more compelling explanation accounts for the
pattern of drug use you see in this country, without resort to any gateway
effects.

"While the gateway theory has enjoyed popular acceptance, scientists have
always had their doubts. Our study shows that these doubts are justified."

The Senate report courageously points out that it is the prohibition of
marijuana and the resulting criminal market that is responsible for the use
of other drugs.

This is one of the key reasons this committee came to the conclusion that
legalization, using the alcohol model, is the best solution to the problem.

After all, few people fear "whiskey pushers" as a threat to our school
children.

The school board, teachers, parents and students would be better served by
accurate information, not out-dated and incorrect personal beliefs of a
trustee.

(Link: The "Report of the Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs", Vol.
1, Chapter 6:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/37/1/parlbus/commbus/senate/com-e/ille-e/rep-e/repfina=lvol1part2-e.htm#Chapter%206).

Cedric Silvester