Anti-Pot Advocates Claim Marijuana is Addictive, Toxic

BOSTON (AP) _ Two children's advocates say they oppose a ballot question aimed at legalizing the recreational use of marijuana in Massachusetts.

Dr. Sion Harris and Michelle Lipinski sent a letter Wednesday to the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol saying it's wrong to portray marijuana as relatively benign.

The two say marijuana is addictive, with one in six people who start as minors becoming dependent. They also say marijuana is toxic and that THC content is up to three times higher than in the 1990s.

Harris is co-director of Boston Children's Hospital's Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse Research. Lipinski is director of the Northshore Recovery High School.

Will Luzier, campaign manager for the pro-pot group, has said marijuana is less toxic and less addictive than alcohol and doesn't contribute to violent behavior.