USING MARIJUANA IS DEFINITELY NOT HARMLESS

Dear Editor,

If "nothing succeeds like success," no wonder drug lords (who make billions
worldwide from heroin and cocaine) are anxious to see possession and use of
marijuana, heroin, cocaine and other drugs legalized. Their targets are
the young and naive.

Most drug addicts admit their addiction began the the "party" or
"feel-good" drugs, especially marijuana. The user's desire for a
longer-lasting "high" usually leads to hard drug use. Worldwide research
over more than 30 years reveals the often-concealed danger of marijuana
use. THC, the "high-producing" substance, is stored in body fat and
released into the blood stream over a long period of time. The user's
desire for a "longer high," coupled with more frequent use, does
irreparable damage to the brain, the chromosones, the hormones, the
reproductive organs, the lungs and the immune system. Marijuana is
definately not harmless!

The drug problem will continue as long as people believe they are free to
do whatever they please with "their" bodies. But in truth, we are all
merely "tenants" of the body we inhabit. I don't believe anyone has a
right to destroy the landlord's (God's) property. If people can't enjoy
life without "party" drugs, they need to do some serious thinking.

Considering the evidence, belief that legalizing the possession and use of
"party" drugs will reduce the harm associated with them seems like an
oxymoron than a solution. There are, however, others who seem to believe
otherwise. Makes one wonder if "intelligent" aptly applies to so-called
intelligent human beings.

Ben Gaston

Athens