Pubdate: Tue, 18 Mar 2003
Source: Daily Reflector (NC)
Copyright: 2003 Daily Reflector
Contact:  http://www.reflector.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1456
Author: SHARON HILL

FULL TRUTH ON POT USE MUST BE DIVULGED

It was stated (Public Forum, Feb. 17) that marijuana is safer than tobacco, 
alcohol and even coffee and that there are no documented deaths occurring 
from its use. Let me tell you my story.

At the age of 14, I began to smoke tobacco. Shortly after that, I was 
introduced to pot (cannabis, marijuana, call it what you like). It was my 
way of relaxing or evading life's trials. Unknown to me, I was forming a 
dependency to the effects of pot. I wanted it every day. It was pretty 
accessible for being illegal.

As I graduated from high school (barely), I had no drive to succeed. I 
didn't like what I had become. Regardless of the statistics stated earlier, 
the effects of pot harmed me. My perspective on life was blurred.

Yes, I could have gotten cancer had I not quit smoking. I'm told that I 
might be short due to drinking coffee at a young age. The consequences in 
my life from using pot for so many years are numerous. I hurt and neglected 
loved ones while under the influence.

If we sugarcoat the truth about marijuana, saying it's "the safest 
intoxicant known to man," who will take responsibility for children who 
fall prey to the psychological effects it produces? I am no longer a user 
and have spoken to many youth about my past addictions. In no way have I 
lied to them because the truth is unpalatable. Being truthful is presenting 
the entire truth. That involves the statistics about the lives drugs are 
destroying. Ask these people if they feel marijuana is dangerous. We are 
body, mind and spirit. Maybe the wounded spirits should be put into a 
statistic.

SHARON HILL

Winterville
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