Pubdate: Wed, 24 Feb 2010
Source: Grand Forks Gazette (CN BC)
Copyright: 2010 Grand Forks Gazette
Contact:  http://www.grandforksgazette.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/525
Page: 5
Author: J. Sorensen

STOP FEAR MONGERING

Editor, The Gazette

Many issues of the Gazette have given me insight into the social 
complexities and personal emotions that the peoples of our small city 
entertain. Through this I have witnessed some very troubling issues. 
I personally have come to that certain point where a man has heard enough!

I have decided that I will not approach the issue of a "new" medicine 
being introduced into our health care system with any kind of fear. I 
will not judge cannabis out of ignorance or reaction. I will open my 
brain to the possibility that, just maybe, the thousands upon 
thousands of physicians in North America that have acknowledged the 
fact that marijuana is a broad spectrum medicine, know a little bit 
more about the subject than I do. I will have empathy for people who 
are suffering with all manner of horrible and life debilitating 
illnesses and injuries. I will acknowledge that I have little or no 
experience with this medicine and its effects or benefits. I will 
also stop undermining our city's council and attempt to inform myself 
without that time machine in my head telling me it's 1950. I will 
think about the possibility that maybe change can be a good thing and 
that this change may very well have to start with small, enlightened 
communities.

I will recognize that our medical system prescribes all types of 
Schedule III Narcotics on top of the plethora of anti-depressants and 
other synthetic medicines on a daily basis. These drugs do their jobs 
but they are dangerous and kill people regularly.

Last but definitely not least. I will remind myself that not one 
person has ever died using cannabis.

J. Sorensen,
Grand Forks 
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart