Patriot Ledger Letters

April 29, 2002
READER'S VIEW: Opposed to marijuana ads on the MBTA
By LEA PALLERIA COX, Hanover

On April 18 Steven Epstein writes in support of marijuana ads on the MBTA. This reflects his long-standing marijuana activism as co-founder of the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition, editor of ‘‘Mass Grass,’’ and organizer of the annual Boston Common ‘‘pot rally.’’

Given Epstein’s background, his support of the MBTA marijuana ads - which downplay the dangers of marijuana - should surprise no one.

One of the proposed ads, stating that police are ‘‘too good to waste on arresting people for marijuana when real criminals are on the loose’’ implies that users go to jail - what a joke that is! When there are convictions, the charges are usually for drug dealing, but through plea-bargaining, the lesser charge of possession is recorded.

Another proposed ad reads in part: ‘‘jail being more dangerous than pot,’’ overlooks the evidence that marijuana is a health hazard and changes brain chemistry, etc. - are these effects inconsequential?

The third ad shows a picture of a teenager and the text is: ‘‘Smoking pot is not cool, but we’re not stupid, ya know, marijuana is not cocaine or heroin.’’ Again, this downplays the harms and is truly directed toward the younger generation.

The court should uphold the ban and deny the use of the MBTA vehicles to advertise the harmful, addictive, carcinogenic, illegal drug - marijuana.

April 18, 2002
READER'S VIEW: Response to Lapey’s letter on marijuana ads
By STEVEN S. EPSTEIN, Georgetown

Janet Lapey’s letter (‘‘Supports MBTA ban on pro-marijuana ads,’’ March 25) makes one thing perfectly clear, she supports the right of free speech only if she approves of the contents of the communication.

I for one do not approve of the content of her letter, which misrepresents both the scientific evidence of marijuana’s dangers and the message of the three advertisements at issue, but would not tell you not to print it.

The ads the MBTA does not want on its system pose three points for consideration: a photograph depicting two police officers with the text: ‘‘Police are too important... too valuable... too good... to waste on arresting people for marijuana when real criminals are on the loose.’’ A picture of a woman at work with the text: ‘‘I’ve got three great kids. I love them more than anything. I don’t want them to smoke pot. But I know jail is a lot more dangerous than smoking pot’’; and, a picture of a teenager with the text, ‘‘Smoking pot is not cool, but we’re not stupid, ya know. Marijuana is not cocaine or heroin.’’ I leave it to your readers to decide if such statements promote marijuana or promote rational discussion about a public policy that many, perhaps a majority, believe unwise.

March 25, 2002
READER'S VIEW: Supports MBTA ban on pro-marijuana ads
By JANET D. LAPEY, M.D., Quincy

The courts should support the MBTA’s policy banning pro-marijuana advertisements. The marijuana legalization lobby, like the tobacco lobby, targets our youth; just witness their annual free rock concert on Boston common. Public transportation, supported by our taxes, should not be used to promote a harmful illegal substance which leads to costly societal damage.

Each year more and more scientific studies demonstrate marijuana’s dangers. The drug can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms are well-documented. Like tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke causes cancer, lung disease and heart attacks. Although advertised as an ‘‘asthma medicine,’’ it actually causes asthma. Even passive smoking is harmful.

Furthermore, marijuana undermines sound thinking and judgment, adversely affecting school performance and life decisions. It is a major cause of motor vehicle crashes. Since tolerance develops to marijuana’s effects, users often ‘‘graduate’’ to drugs such as cocaine and heroin. If parents can keep their children away from marijuana, it is highly unlikely that they will turn into the heroin addicts, which are the bane of society.

You can bet that the marijuana legalization advertisements would not tell the truth about these harmful effects. Their purpose is to convince the public that marijuana is ‘‘no big deal.’’

Copyright 2002 The Patriot Ledger
Transmitted April 29, 2002