Pubdate: Thu, 18 May 2017 Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB) Copyright: 2017 Canoe Limited Partnership Contact: http://www.winnipegsun.com/letter-to-editor Website: http://www.winnipegsun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503 Author: Jacqueline Elston Page: 10 Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor. BOOZE IS WORSE In Larry Comeau's letter he quotes a report that marijuana related ER visits in Colorado among kids have quadrupled since legalization. Previously, marijuana possession and use was a felony. It might just be the increase in visits to the ER since legalization has something to do with users in Colorado no longer fearing prosecution if they seek help while under the influence. Is it not possible that mental illness issues in general are on the rise in young people unrelated to marijuana use? It would certainly seem so according to many recent studies. It has been my experience that those who want to indulge, will, be it legal or not. Those who don't won't be tempted by legalization. I am by no means an expert and these are just observations and speculation. I don't doubt there will be some growing pains when marijuana is legalized. I sincerely believe, however, many of these fears are being overstated. We are so worried about young adults buying marijuana at 18 but have no qua! lms about them buying one of the deadliest recreational substances available - alcohol. Jacqueline Elston - -------------------------------------- (The debate around pot won't end with legalization.) - --- MAP posted-by: Matt