Pubdate: Wed, 17 Mar 2004 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: Danny Parker FIND A CURE FOR POT EPIDEMIC I am tired of reading articles trivializing the illegal use of drugs ("Pot wars," March 14). As a parent, son, brother of family members who have had to deal with substance abuse I think the media and our politicians are becoming out of touch with this growing epidemic. Pot is not a harmless drug at all. It is a mind-altering drug and highly addictive if used for a long period of time. I have witnessed the pain and damage that drugs can inflict on individuals, families and society in general. All those who want to legalize drugs should be talking to the families, social workers, nurses, doctors and police officers who have to deal with the effects of this disease. We need to wake up and find a cure to this problem before it's too late. Pot is a gateway drug. How do you think some of our young men and women end up on crystal meth and heroin? It started with a harmless joint. Danny Parker Victoria - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin