SKEPTICAL OF DRUG STUDY

Editor The latest NIDA study that implicates marijuana as addictive and a
socalled gateway to other drugs has me asking a few questions. Reading the
study, you find that researchers used two chemicals in their experiments, one
that they say mimics the effects of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
After administering massive doses on specially bred laboratory rats, they
administered a chemical substance that blocks THC receptors in rat brains.
The rats experienced withdrawal symptoms.

Jumping from that to conclude that marijuana is bad for humans is not only
incorrect, but ridiculous. Studies around the world have shown that marijuana
is not only safer than tobacco or alcohol, but actually beneficial for
treating many diseases.

Perhaps one should study whether NIDA, which is funded by the same folks as
the War on Drugs, is able to conduct studies free of political interference.
Also, we should ask if these studies which have little to do with real
research on marijuana and health aren't touted by those in power to continue
justifying their billiondollar mistakes.
TIMOTHY J. MEEHAN
Toronto