THE DANGERS OF POT

Re: Censoring The Truth In The War On Drugs, Jonathan Kay, April 2.

There is a large haze around the topic of marijuana these days. Generally,
the media and many other people have forgotten that marijuana is a
dangerous and deadly drug. The facts are indisputable.

First, marijuana causes cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society states on its
Web page that smoking marijuana causes cancer. It also says, that because
marijuana smokers tend to hold the smoke in their lungs for longer, "some
estimate smoking 3 to 4 marijuana cigarettes per day is roughly equivalent
to smoking 20 tobacco cigarettes."

Secondly, when a person is high on marijuana it impairs their mental and
physical abilities. That person is now a danger to themselves and others if
they drive their car or operate machinery at work.

Moreover, marijuana is addictive to many. To what degree marijuana is
addictive is a matter of debate, but it is addictive. The addiction may be
only as a mild as a person's addiction to coffee or chocolate, but should
be considered serious because of the health ramifications.

It should be remembered that marijuana is a major source of income for
major crime organizations. Criminals deal in illegal markets for profit.
Those people who support the large and profitable marijuana market are
supporting the world of crime and the violence. Murder, extortion,
beatings, and robberies are the tools of the trade. Some marijuana users
don't want to be part of that world and call for decriminalization or
legalization. However, today, tomorrow and for the foreseeable future they
are supporting the violence.

Finally, marijuana is much more potent that it used to be. Grow operations
try to maximize the active ingredient, THC. This "soft" drug is not so soft
anymore.

The hard facts (of which I have only discussed some) are often lost or
become confused when discussing marijuana. I fear the discussion has become
so confused that many people (young and old) may think there is no problem
with marijuana.

The epidemic use of marijuana is hurting many over the short and long term.
It is time to clear the air and let everybody know that marijuana is a
dangerous and deadly drug.

M. Gifford, Sherwood Park, Alta.