STOP FEAR MONGERING

Editor, The Gazette

Many issues of the Gazette have given me insight into the social
complexities and personal emotions that the peoples of our small city
entertain. Through this I have witnessed some very troubling issues.
I personally have come to that certain point where a man has heard enough!

I have decided that I will not approach the issue of a "new" medicine
being introduced into our health care system with any kind of fear. I
will not judge cannabis out of ignorance or reaction. I will open my
brain to the possibility that, just maybe, the thousands upon
thousands of physicians in North America that have acknowledged the
fact that marijuana is a broad spectrum medicine, know a little bit
more about the subject than I do. I will have empathy for people who
are suffering with all manner of horrible and life debilitating
illnesses and injuries. I will acknowledge that I have little or no
experience with this medicine and its effects or benefits. I will
also stop undermining our city's council and attempt to inform myself
without that time machine in my head telling me it's 1950. I will
think about the possibility that maybe change can be a good thing and
that this change may very well have to start with small, enlightened
communities.

I will recognize that our medical system prescribes all types of
Schedule III Narcotics on top of the plethora of anti-depressants and
other synthetic medicines on a daily basis. These drugs do their jobs
but they are dangerous and kill people regularly.

Last but definitely not least. I will remind myself that not one
person has ever died using cannabis.

J. Sorensen,
Grand Forks