POT SMOKING

Because one and one-half million Canadians smoke marijuana for recreational
purposes does not imply that the drug is innocuous. There have been umpteen
studies which have looked at the long-term effects of regular marijuana
use. After the "high" has passed, the data is in the "iffy" stage.

What about the use of the drug during pregnancy and its possible effect on
the offspring? Does inhaling large quantities of the smoke really have a
beneficial effect on some people? Why not take the drug by intravenous
procedure instead?

What about smoking and driving? Unlike alcohol, marijuana remains in the
body for many days and, to complicate things, the rate of metabolization
varies depending on the extent of chronic use.

How much time should elapse between the last joint and getting behind the
wheel of a car?

While present laws with respect to the drug may need some modification, to
imply that the issue is a simple one is misleading.