TRUTH ABOUT DRUGS

I'm glad the police fear that society's mellow attitude toward
marijuana is having a dangerous impact on teens.

While The Province recently highlighted drugging-and-driving, if that
was the only problem with marijuana use, then it would not be so catastrophic.

But there's far more to it than that. And there's also a lack of
education, not just among the young but among their parents, too.

Did you know that THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, remains
deposited in fat cells and organs such as the brain, testicles and
ovaries, spleen, liver and lungs?

This can lead to harmful physical and mental side-effects lasting for
months or even years.

The immediate effects of taking marijuana include rapid heartbeat,
disorientation and lack of physical coordination, often followed by
depression or sleepiness. Some users suffer panic attacks or anxiety.

We need to become more informed, and we need to make sure our
children are informed.

Good on the police for being worried. Let's all rise up from this apathy.

Don't let drugs take our children and our future.

Paula Dewar

Coquitlam