OUT OF JOINT

YES, cannabis does, like tobacco, contain the carcinogen
Benzpyrene. When smoked as a joint, as Aled Jones points out (Readers'
Letters, November 19), it is as dangerous as smoking one and a half
cigarettes.

However, those who choose to take the drug to relieve the symptoms of
diseases such as MS and arthritis can always use a vaporiser, a cream
or bake a hash brownie if they prefer.

There is some evidence that asthma sufferers find the active
ingredient in cannabis, THC, can give them some relief by acting as a
bronchodilator.

The British Lung Foundation does not give details of the scientists
who wrote the report Mr Jones quotes, but it does closely resemble the
study by the Christian campaigning group the Maranatha Community.

I don't think we should worry too much.

Charles Hunt, Wilton Rise, York