Pubdate: Thu, 31 Mar 2005
Source: NOW Magazine (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 NOW Communications Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nowtoronto.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/282
Author: Chris Turner
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

PROBLEM POT

I challenge your claim that using marijuana is "harmless" and a "victimless 
crime" (NOW, March 10-16). Based on research, and especially on my many 
experiences smoking it from age 14 to 26, marijuana is a very potent and 
addictive drug that is detrimental to health in many ways, especially to 
vulnerable young users whose undeveloped minds are most negatively affected 
by it. I've seen elementary school kids smoking it in the parks before 
school starts. Are you OK with this? How well do you think they function 
while stoned in school at 9 am?

I've also known a number of habitual marijuana users in their 40s and 50s 
who seem to be able to function but whose emotional maturity level remains 
very stunted.

Chris Turner

Toronto 
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