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 - ---