HEY, SIZZLECHEST!

As the primary author of the study examining marijuana use and respiratory
problems, I feel it is important to reply to the letter from Mr. Melendez
("Backtalk," Feb. 3). The study found greater rates of respiratory symptoms
for marijuana users by statistically controlling for number of cigarettes
smoked per day, asthma, gender and age. Of importance, marijuana users
reported using on an average of only 10 days in the previous month.
Marijuana use was also associated with greater respiratory symptoms for
those who smoked both marijuana and tobacco compared to those who smoked
just tobacco. This was true even though they smoked the same amount of
tobacco, and marijuana users were 10 years younger.

We'd like for you to see the science as well. See blackwellpublishing.
com/journal.asp?ref84-8734 for a link to the journal.

While it is true that there are a number of different means of reducing
respiratory problems by changing the mode of delivery (i.e., eating), we
believe the findings are important, since smoking continues to be the
predominant method of marijuana use.

Brent A. Moore, Ph.D.

Department of Psychiatry

Yale University School of Medicine

New Haven