Pubdate: Wed, 18 Dec 2002
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Ted Cooper

MARIJUANA DESTRUCTIVE AMONG ADOLESCENTS

Re: "Shift in pot law plans annoys drug educator," Dec. 16.

Art Steinmann is right on the money. Physicians specializing in addiction 
medicine regard marijuana as a relatively benign drug in adults, but state 
that marijuana is a profoundly destructive drug for adolescents.

The School Trustees of British Columbia attempted to influence the federal 
government on the differential effect of marijuana on youth, by motion of 
our annual general meeting in 2000. Sad to say our efforts disappeared down 
a black hole called Ottawa.

Is it really too late to intervene on behalf of our youth? Marijuana use is 
creating a class of students who are compromising their short-term memory, 
their initiative and their cognitive abilities -- not exactly the recipe 
for academic success.

Ted Cooper

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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens