RISK ASSESSMENT

The June 17 article "Pot use linked to other risks" was interesting for what
it revealed and for what it concealed. True, those who engage in "risky"
behaviour, which for some strange reason was defined as staying out all
night without permission, stealing money from parents and wrecking other
people's property, also smoked pot. But I do not consider any of those
activities "risky" in the same way that driving at high speed, skydiving,
climbing on railway trestles or a myriad of other activities might put youth
at risk.

The activities listed in the survey are destructive and dishonest but not
especially risky. However, it would have been interesting if the study had
asked pot smokers what percentage of them had engaged in these risky
behaviours. I speculate most pot smokers do not engage in these activities.

The inference of your piece that most juvenile delinquents smoke pot,
therefore most pot smokers are delinquents, is quite illogical. I would be
interested in seeing a more thorough examination of the information in a
future article.

Bruce Symington

Medicine Hat, Alta.