POT HARMS HEALTH

Marijuana proponents still scoff at the notion that its recreational use
leads to cocaine and heroin addiction. They continue to deny the harmful
effects of smoking pot, particularly as it affects brain function.

However in a newly released study by the Drug Abuse Warning Network in the
United States, it is clear that there are other costs to pay as well.

Emergency departments across the United States report a yearly increase of
15 per cent in emergencies in which marijuana was a contributing factor
(2000-2001)! This is the largest increase of any casual use drug. In fact,
marijuana contributed one sixth (110,000) of all emergencies cases in which
drug abuse was cited, even exceeding that of heroin.

While I have long believed that there is a correlation between marijuana
use and mental illness, it has been difficult for researchers to establish
an irrefutable link between the two. We await further studies.

In the meantime all potheads should take notice. It shouldn't surprise you
that drug abuse will get you one way or the other.

Peter Drummond,

Qualicum Beach