WHY HYPE 'BENEFITS' OF MARIJUANA USE?

I have just finished reading a most amazing letter from a parent who
is upset that he cannot find a Web site which will aid him in listing
the "benefits" of recreational marijuana use. The writer seems to
think that unless a person becomes a bum or "dies a terrible death"
that marijuana is harmless.

I don't know anyone who smokes cigarettes who would then turn around
and talk about the "benefits" of nicotine to their children. I have
never heard a person looking back on his life wishing he had spent
more time drinking in a bar. And I hardly think that smoking marijuana
qualifies as time and money well spent.

The insidious thing about marijuana is that it is still viewed as
harmless fun by parents seeking to justify their own reckless
behavior. You would think that someone who has "been there, done that"
and moved on would at least be incredulous that they were willing to
risk jail for some mind-altering fun. It is not hypocrisy to look back
and realize one's mistakes.

Most parents want their children to achieve more, make better
decisions, and avoid the risky behavior in which so many of us
indulged. Certainly a responsible parent should want his child to
handle the difficulties of life, and even be able to have fun without
that "little head high."

"We all did it" should be a sad commentary on the poor decisions we
made when we were young and foolish, not the standard we use to raise
our children.

Margaret Proulx
Defiance