HERB DEFENDS THE HERB
To the editor:

re: "Too many excuses for marijuana" NDN July 30, 1999

Shirley Peters wrote "Yet no one has stood up and plainly stated that it
(marijuana) can harm the cells of the mind and body."

Why would anyone make that statement? No one should make these false claims.
Marijuana, in its natural form, is one of the safest therapeutically active
substances on earth. There have been no deaths from the use of marijuana and
it is not addictive. According to a recent court ruling:

"Consumption of marijuana is relatively harmless compared to the so-called
hard drugs including tobacco and alcohol. There exists no hard evidence
demonstrating any irreversible organic or mental damage from the consumption
of marijuana. Cannabis is not an addictive substance." Ontario Justice John
McCart, R. v. Clay, 1997.

Why should marijuana be legalized for adult use?

One reason is that marijuana is a medicinal herb that can help many sick
people. However, since marijuana is illegal many seriously ill people are
denied safe, cheap, easy access to a beneficial medicine. Where is our
compassion? Sick people should not be turned into criminals who have to buy
their medicine on the black market.

- - Herb Couch

Nelson, B.C.