Pubdate: Sun, 16 Apr 2000
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2000 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  2615 12 Street N.E., Calgary, Alberta T2E 7W9
Fax: (403) 250-4180
Website: http://www.canoe.ca/CalgarySun/
Forum: http://www.canoe.ca/Chat/home.html
Author: Chuck Beyer
Note: Parethetical remark by the Sun editor; headline by newshawk

HYPERBOLE MORE HARMFUL

RE: "MARIJUANA a growing concern for police, " (April 12).

The story insinuates peddlers who push pot are just as poisonous as crack
and heroin dealers. I have never heard so much rubbish in my life. Marijuana
is one of the least toxic substances known to mankind. There is no recorded
instance of overdose in recorded history. Here is proof. Phone your local
hospital and ask how many marijuana overdoses they treat in a year. Be
prepared for howls of laughter from hospital staff. Then ask how many
Aspirin overdoses they treat a year. Now you will see reality. The author is
full of baloney. Hyperbole like this is far more harmful to society than a
glass of wine or a marijuana cigarette.

Chuck Beyer

(No one ever got intoxicated on hyperbole.)
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MAP posted-by: Don Beck