Pubdate: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 Source: Kamloops This Week (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Kamloops This Week Contact: http://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1271 Author: Jodie Giesz-Ramsay POT 'EPIDEMIC' FALSE CONCERN Editor: There have been a few recent news reports about "teenage pot epidemics." The reports are tinted with fear and worry, but why? Even if the use of marijuana is rising among youth, there is evidence that most are ignoring harder drugs. They make the choice to smoke pot because instead of "getting trashed," they can simply enjoy an evening at home with friends or alone; they can be content listening to music or walking in the park, painting or reading or writing. It should be no surprise - there is never damaged property, noisy crowds, or messy trash as a result of these teenagers who are simply relaxing. That's what I've observed. And when I have children and they want to experiment with drugs and/or alcohol (as most inevitably do) I'd much rather have them smoking earthly buds than drinking hard liquor or using crystal meth. So parents, ease your fears about this supposed epidemic. What you're seeing is the evolution of a peaceful, natural generation, and there is no harm in letting your teens use marijuana in a responsible, non-problematic way. As long as education, work, family and friends are still priority No. 1, there is nothing to be afraid of. Jodie Giesz-Ramsay Vancouver (Kamloops born and raised) - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin