Pubdate: Tue, 08 Oct 2002
Source: West Australian (Australia)
Copyright: 2002 West Australian Newspapers Limited
Contact:  http://www.thewest.com.au
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/495
Author: Terry Ryan

I DISAGREE

ONCE again a letter in your opinion page telling of the dangers of cannabis 
has attracted a letter from overseas (Robert Sharpe, Washington, 27/9) 
pushing for the legalising of this dangerous drug.

One of the dangers of this drug is the belief, pushed by people like Robert 
Sharpe, that it is harmless.

Mr Sharpe writes of the long-term effects of criminal records, apparently 
choosing to ignore the long-term effects of the use of cannabis.

He also talks of no deaths caused by overdose of cannabis.  So what does he 
call suicide by those who are depressed by the constant use of this substance?

He further claims that cannabis is not addictive, another fallacy.

I wonder where he gets his information from.  It is certainly not reliable.

make no mistake about it, the misinformation handed out by those like Mr 
Sharpe does not make cannabis any less dangerous.  Quite the contrary 
because there are those who want to believe him and will use this substance.

I often wonder what is in it for those who push the "cannabis is harmless" 
theme.

Terry Ryan

Thornlie
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