"Furthermore, these two studies must not overshadow the decades of
epidemiological research that fails to demonstrate that marijuana has the
kind of serious dependence liability of heroin, alcohol, or nicotine, or
that it leads to the use of other drugs.  Even if this rat research is
replicated, it is a large leap to suggest that it proves that marijuana is
either a drug of dependence or a "stepping-stone" to harder drugs, two
assertions which have not been convincingly demonstrated either clinically
or epidemiologically after decades of research.  The limitations of these
studies are suggested by the fact that it is possible to demonstrate the
reinforcing properties of opiates and cocaine with rats by
self-administration studies.  Animals will not, under any circumstance,
self-administer THC.
          "Lastly, NORML reaffirms that there are no conclusions drawn from
these studies that in any way support the government's current policy of
arresting and jailing otherwise law-abiding citizens who smoke marijuana.
Marijuana has never demonstrated the criteria necessary to mandate its
Schedule I prohibited status and that remains unchanged."
                                  -- END --
  MORE THAN 10 MILLION MARIJUANA ARRESTS SINCE 1965 . . . ANOTHER EVERY 54
                                  SECONDS!
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