POT USERS NOT MONSTERS

Editor:

In regards to the recent suggestions made by the Senate to legalize
marijuana, I would like to say that I understand the frustrations of
anti-druggists, such as people working for DARE and members of our muchly
appreciated police force. I can only imagine the hopelessness they must
feel. So many man hours and so much money spent fighting to keep controlled
substances unavailable. I would also be insulted to be told that what I had
believed for a lifetime was incorrect.

Potheads, spliff-rollers, marijuana smokers, doobie-junkies, call us what
you will, but we are not monsters.

Rumours spread. They tell stories of marijuana being a 'gateway' drug,
leading to the use of harder drugs. Rumours are not always facts. It is a
conscious decision made by an individual to do a drug. You can not put the
blame on marijuana just to make you feel better. You need to make the
choice before entering a peer pressure situation.

Did you know that over 80 per cent of the Canadian population suffers from
some sort of physical or mental health problem? Most mental health problems
are caused by the imbalance of a natural chemical in the brain called
serotonin. The THC found in marijuana can help balance these levels.

Last February the Canadian government sent out the first (very needed)
batch of legal, medical marijuana. I believe the Senate would not suggest
legalization unless they have found important evidence through many hours
of research to support the suggestion.

I suggest that we continue to educate our children on the side-effects of
hard drug use, but we must use facts to do so.

Although marijuana may someday soon be considered a miracle drug that cures
many different ails, children need to be taught the side-effects some
people experience, because they have no need or use for it. Some of these
side-effects may include nausea, paranoia, increase in appetite and often
people blame marijuana for their de-motivation. For those that experience
this in everyday life marijuana may be the cure.

Once we rid our justice system of all those who deserve true justice, we
can concentrate on the dangerous drugs and the violence that plagues our
country.

Without marijuana I personally cannot get out of bed, much less leave my
house. I cannot eat, sleep, work, smile or think hopeful thoughts without
marijuana in my life. I am thankful for marijuana and I will continue to
fight for my right to choose.

I would like to challenge you to write your own letter of opinion to
someone in authority.

VANESSA ROGERS

Lethbridge