Re: "Marijuana produces host of bad effects," letter, April 25.

As an MD, I can only support the letter-writer's position. It really is nothing to be proud of that Canada leads the developed world in consumption of marijuana. It enhances dangerous driving and generally reduces civil personal responsibility, a feature that seems in short supply even without marijuana.

As with every addictive drug, there are people who become hooked having tried it just once, for curiosity, in company, usually as a teen. For some, that is sufficient for lifelong addiction. To make marijuana more accessible will only exacerbate the situation.

Sophie Shulman, MD Victoria

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