Pubdate: Sat, 25 Nov 2006
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Abbotsford News
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Eric Myrholm

FEW GOOD REASONS FOR LEGALIZATION

Editor, The News:

Here We go again!

In Chris Foulds' Guest Column "Waging war on a benign plant," of Nov. 
18, there were many statements which must be considered cause for 
concern by the thinking public.

Foulds in part asks "Should we legalize marijuana?" His own answer to 
his question was, "Absolutely."

In her article, "Whacky tobbacky issue a no brainer," on Mar. 14, 
Trudy Beyak states in part; "mind-altering drugs including THC the 
active ingredient in marijuana, are chemicals that pollute the human brain."

She is of the opinion that "Taking mind-altering drugs is like 
unleashing chemical warfare on your own brain."

Beyak also brings to our attention that marijuana is often a gateway 
drug for vulnerable teenagers and young adults."

In the Nov. 7 edition of your paper; a story headlined "Pot use 
linked to psychosis," written by Jeff Nagel, quoting in part South 
Surrey psychiatrist, Dr.Bill MacEwan, said that "clinical evidence 
from here and around the world increasingly links pot 
smoking-especially heavy use at an early age - with psychosis."

He estimates the rate of psychosis among those regular pot users is 
six to seven times the rate of non-users who have a roughly one in 
100 chance of suffering from psychosis."

A statement often made by apologist's for the marijuana lobby is that 
the abuse of alcohol and the use of tobacco is far more serious than 
smoking marijuana. The danger of tobacco and abuse of alcohol has 
become more apparent over the years.

What new hazards will result by extended use of marijuana, especially 
by our youth?

Are we willing to put our youth at risk?

If we legalize marijuana what are we saying to our youth? Are we 
saying smoking marijuana is no big deal? In some cases marijuana is 
being promoted as a health enhancer. It may mask symptoms but it is no cure.

Should we look to our pot smoking friends as billboards for more 
liberal drug laws? Or should we listen to serious researchers? Let's 
think Again.

Eric Myrholm

Abbotsford
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MAP posted-by: Elaine