Dear Editor:

Re: LoLo Pot Shops Raise Parents' Concern, March 4 news story.

Not sure if I'm saddened or just amused with the parents who are apparently concerned with the medical marijuana dispensary opening in North Vancouver. Tobacco products are available in hundreds of locations in North Vancouver.

Tobacco is highly addictive and lethal. Alcohol products are available in hundreds of locations: alcohol is also highly addictive and the risks of over-use, according to Health Canada, include cancer, liver cirrhosis, motor vehicle accidents, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and other health issues.

This of course doesn't necessarily make marijuana any better or worse, but considering the known risks it occurs to me that singling it out as a threat to our neighbourhoods or children may be a little misplaced.

Hugh Montgomery North Vancouver

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