PAPER TELLS THE WHOLE POT STORY

THE EDITOR:

In the April 23 edition of your paper,there was a report on an upcoming
pro-marijuana rally, which, it appears, is being organized by a local
marijuana advocate.

In the April 19 edition of your paper, police briefs section, the same
individual was arrested when he caused a disturbance in the Abbotsford
provincial court lobby. A recent court case resulted from an incident from
June 21,2001, where four teenagers, high on marijuana allegedly went on an
arson spree, setting at least five fires.

Where does the "myth" that marijuana is a harmless substance come from?

With pro-marijuana rallies, the Marijuana (political) Party, Internet
misinformation and our apathy, this dangerous drug seems to be "no big deal."

Marijuana is a mind altering, dangerous, addictive drug. Some of the
dangers are: cause of accidents, decreased muscle strength, decreased blood
flow to the brain, confusion and depression. It also may result in birth
defects when taken during pregnancy.

This is only a partial list of the hazards of marijuana use. We must
protect our youth by teaching them the dangers of this mind-altering drug.

Eric Myrholm

Abbotsford