PEOPLE NEED TO STOP GLAMORIZING ALCOHOL

Re: 'Canada's pot conundrum' (Daily News. Jan. 4)

Last fall researchers at the University of Victoria Centre for
Addictions Research made an alarming announcement.

It reported that British Columbians' alcohol consumption has risen 16%
since 1998, which is almost twice the 9% increase for the rest of
Canada. Not only that, there has been a 17% increase in the number of
people hospitalized because of alcohol.

The use of alcohol is pervasive in our society; however, there are a
number of myths regarding its use that are very dangerous. One of the
myths is that it is less harmful than marijuana.

Myth: Marijuana is more dangerous or as dangerous as alcohol

Fact: Marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco

A good start to help reduce the harm from alcohol would be to stop
demonizing the use of marijuana and at the same time stop glamorizing
the use of alcohol. In order to do this we need to be open and honest
with our children and ourselves.

Fred Mallach

Victoria