My deepest thanks to your editorial writers for the June 17 item entitled "Legalized pot hurting our children." The editorial should draw the attention of the hordes of misguided citizens who look upon marijuana as a sort of universal curative for whatever ails or inconveniences us. Apart from the increasing scientific evidence of the neurologic damage inflicted by marijuana upon our children, the confirmed teratologic and carcinogenic effects of marijuana upon our unborn children are not receiving the attention that is desperately needed. In our hedonistic pursuit of stuffing our bodies with this noxious substance, at what point if ever, will we begin to realize the long-term damage we are doing to future generations? Marvin O. Maul, DVM [end]
Re: Dr. George Athey's letter titled "Legalization of marijuana damaging" (Oct. 28)wherein he covers I believe, some extremely valid, timely and worrisome topics on this drug. He expresses his deep concern as a practicing physician on the harmful aspects of marijuana, which he has noted particularly among some of his young patients. As a veterinarian with experience in private practice as well as having served for 25 years as regulatory liaison between the FDA and three major pharmaceutical corporations, like Dr. Athey, I am amazed and deeply disturbed that a demonstrably harmful substance such as marijuana has somehow escaped the regulatory restrictions required under the provisions of Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act that provide for the establishment of the safety and efficacy of all substances "that may have an effect upon the structure or function of man or other animals." [continues 184 words]
