FULL TRUTH ON POT USE MUST BE DIVULGED

It was stated (Public Forum, Feb. 17) that marijuana is safer than tobacco,
alcohol and even coffee and that there are no documented deaths occurring
from its use. Let me tell you my story.

At the age of 14, I began to smoke tobacco. Shortly after that, I was
introduced to pot (cannabis, marijuana, call it what you like). It was my
way of relaxing or evading life's trials. Unknown to me, I was forming a
dependency to the effects of pot. I wanted it every day. It was pretty
accessible for being illegal.

As I graduated from high school (barely), I had no drive to succeed. I
didn't like what I had become. Regardless of the statistics stated earlier,
the effects of pot harmed me. My perspective on life was blurred.

Yes, I could have gotten cancer had I not quit smoking. I'm told that I
might be short due to drinking coffee at a young age. The consequences in
my life from using pot for so many years are numerous. I hurt and neglected
loved ones while under the influence.

If we sugarcoat the truth about marijuana, saying it's "the safest
intoxicant known to man," who will take responsibility for children who
fall prey to the psychological effects it produces? I am no longer a user
and have spoken to many youth about my past addictions. In no way have I
lied to them because the truth is unpalatable. Being truthful is presenting
the entire truth. That involves the statistics about the lives drugs are
destroying. Ask these people if they feel marijuana is dangerous. We are
body, mind and spirit. Maybe the wounded spirits should be put into a
statistic.

SHARON HILL

Winterville