Letter from Ishmael Gradsdovic to High Times Magazine


NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS
   January 27, 1994


   High Times Magazine
   235 Park Avenue, South
   Fifth Floor
   New York, NY 10003


   To Whom it may concern:

  

The International System of Units, better known as the metric system, is the world standard for measurement. It has earned its place through simplicity, ease of use, and precision. In today's global economy, it is more important than ever that the United States be able to compete on the same modern playing field as other industrial nations. One of the vital tools in this competition is the metric system.

It is with this in mind that we are asking your business to consider adopting the metric system as its own standard.

It might be argued that for reasons such as tradition and familiarity, the old system of measurement should be maintained. But are these reasons, or are they excuses? It is worth a short period of learning and adjustment to provide compliance to international standards in the global marketplace.

Specifically, in the "Trans-High Quotations" section of your magazine, prices are listed by weight for amounts such as "ounce," "half-ounce" and "pound." We would like to suggest that you move toward weight measurements based on the metric gram.

A little research will show that in The Netherlands, for instance, marijuana is commonly measured in grams when sold for personal use. And the current standard for international bulk shipments of marijuana is the kilogram ("kilo" or "key"). Both of these are metric measurements, offering more precision and international acceptance than the "ounce" or "pound."



   Sincerely,

   Ishmael Gradsdovic
   Director, Office of Metric Compliance
  
Department of Commerce
WASHINGTON, DC 20230
West Coast Office:
713 Grand Avenue, Suite #4
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401



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