MARIJUANA IS NOT A BENIGN DRUG

Re: Jonathan Kay's column, Ottawa Can't Ban Good Medicine, Aug. 13.

I do not have a problem with either the decriminalization of pot or its use
to ease the physical suffering of the ill.

I do object to Mr. Kay's blase approach to the substance itself. Marijuana
is not a benign drug. It may not be physically addictive (although that is
open to debate), but it is still a potent substance which must be treated
with discretion and a degree of caution.

It concerns me when an editorialist of Mr. Kay's caliber feels compelled to
use tired examples supporting the use of pot, leaning on, for example,
statements such as "it doesn't make you start fights, or drive 90 miles per
hour like alcohol." That may be true, but while marijuana smokers are not
necessarily agitators, one would not want to be stoned while making a
life-altering decision. Nor would Mr. Kay want to see his Air Canada pilot
blowing a doob behind one of the hangars before his next flight.

One should remember that marijuana, like alcohol, gambling, sex or food, is
okay in moderation, but it is a serious problem when used by individuals
with addictive personalities, or who consistently use the induced euphoria
to cope with life's difficulties.

Mr. Kay's article in support of Cannabis As Living Medicine is commendable,
I just wish he displayed more discretion in his attempts to minimize the
potential impact of this powerful, and expensive, drug.

A.J. Gizzie, Oakville, Ont.