Marijuana Myths Being Perpetuated

Editor:

You know, when I read quotes from the Lethbridge chief constable, like
those in the May 16 Herald, (Marijuana Bill Sends Mixed Messages: Chief)
which are totally contradictory to the known facts, I see red.

He claims that cannabis "has highly addictive properties like
tobacco." False. Tobacco is physically addictive and withdrawal is
extremely difficult. Cannabis is, at most, psychologically addictive
in the same way as candies and cake. The withdrawal is
non-existent.

He then states that it has an impact on learning and crime. Wrong. The
only impact on learning is temporary, immediately after taking it in
the same way as you would not try to learn something after a few
drinks. But the next day you would experience no ill effects.

The only link to crime is that the user is committing a crime by
possessing and using cannabis.

He states cannabis has significant health effects on the user. Another
lie. The most significant health effect is a mild cough, like any
smokers' cough, which disappears upon stopping usage.

There was a five-minute segment on the Discovery Channel in which a
scientist from the U.S. stated these and other facts.

The facts are available at www.drugwarfacts.org, the whole subject is
covered objectively in the book Marijuana Myths, Marijuana Facts by
Lynn Zimmer, PhD and John P. Morgan MD.

So there is no reason for anyone, least of all the chief constable, to
be unfamiliar with them.

BRUCE SYMINGTON

Medicine Hat