POT 'EPIDEMIC' FALSE CONCERN

Editor:

There have been a few recent news reports about "teenage pot
epidemics." The reports are tinted with fear and worry, but why?

Even if the use of marijuana is rising among youth, there is evidence
that most are ignoring harder drugs. They make the choice to smoke pot
because instead of "getting trashed," they can simply enjoy an evening
at home with friends or alone; they can be content listening to music
or walking in the park, painting or reading or writing. It should be
no surprise - there is never damaged property, noisy crowds, or messy
trash as a result of these teenagers who are simply relaxing.

That's what I've observed. And when I have children and they want to
experiment with drugs and/or alcohol (as most inevitably do) I'd much
rather have them smoking earthly buds than drinking hard liquor or
using crystal meth.

So parents, ease your fears about this supposed epidemic. What you're
seeing is the evolution of a peaceful, natural generation, and there
is no harm in letting your teens use marijuana in a responsible,
non-problematic way. As long as education, work, family and friends
are still priority No. 1, there is nothing to be afraid of.

Jodie Giesz-Ramsay

Vancouver (Kamloops born and raised)