Pubdate: Wed, 07 Oct 2015
Source: Standard Freeholder (Cornwall, CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 Cornwall Standard Freeholder
Contact: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/letters
Website: http://www.standard-freeholder.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1169
Author: Franklin Thompson
Page: A6

BETTER THAN NICOTINE

I know there are more important issues in this election than the 
legalization of cannabis, but I was dismayed by the comments Mr. 
Harper made on TV.

He stated the use of marijuana was worse than the use of tobacco or 
alcohol, which are already legalized in Canada. I think he should get 
his facts straight.

The National Institutes of Health in the U.S. (NIH) published a 
report which I have read online that heavy marijuana smokers had a 
significantly lower incidence of lung cancer than heavy cigarette smokers.

The cannabinoid chemicals in the hemp plant or marijuana have 
anti-cancer properties. Smoking anything is not good for anyone, 
since there are carcinogens in smoke. However, tobacco contains 
nicotine which is harmful to the immune system.

I agree with the Liberal and Green parties that marijuana should be 
legalized, like alcohol and tobacco. The NDP would decriminalize its 
mere possession.

The government could also collect taxes from the sale of marijuana 
and help our communities, whereas now the proceeds of illegal 
marijuana sales go to the black market.

The hemp plant has been used as a medicine by the Chinese since ca. 
3,000 B.C. It is not an unknown and dangerous drug as Mr. Harper portends.

In fact, the cannabidiol drug in hemp is an effective anti-seizure 
drug and also has alleviated fibromyalgia, nausea, migraines and 
other neurological effects in people around the world.

Tobacco, cocaine, heroin and especially, the more recent drug 
fentanyl are much more dangerous to health than marijuana.

Fenatanyl use now is killing so many people, this drug should be banned.

Not pot, or weed!

Franklin Thompson Cornwall
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