GATEWAY THEORY DISCREDITED

To the editor:

Sgt. Steve Chaisson of the Newburyport Police Department ("More
marijuana fines possible," Jan. 9) sums it all up: "Marijuana is a
gateway drug no matter what people say." In reality, nearly every
study including government studies historically discredit the gateway
theory. But that doesn't matter.

Police and their unions are contributors of the gateway effect by
using lobbyists to perpetuate cannabis (marijuana) position which
forces sales by the same people who often sell honest addictive hard
drugs. It is disgusting that the law enforcement community is so bent
on being mean and discriminating against otherwise responsible adults.

Stan White

Dillon, Colo