Pubdate: Wed, 03 Dec 2008 Source: Kitimat Northern Sentinel (CN BC) Copyright: 2008 Kitimat Northern Sentinel Contact: http://www.northernsentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2136 Author: Russell Barth Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n1056/a02.html MARIJUANA CLAIMS DISPUTED Dear sir, As a federally licensed medical marijuana user who is also married to one, I take exception with some of the information in your Addiction Awareness Week article (Sentinel, November 19). For example: "Even using 'just pot' can lead to psychological problems and the eventual use of harder drugs. Marijuana is as addictive as all the other drugs." There is no science to support the notion that pot 'causes' any psychological or physiological damage, and most science on the subject shows that pot is no more addictive than video games, caffeine, or chocolate. One look no further than the 2002 Senate Committee Reports on Drugs for proof - http://www.cfdp.ca/sen2000.htm Recent science out of Germany even shows how cannabinoids stimulate the body's production of TIMP-1, which helps healthy cells resist cancer invasion - www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20071226/pot-slows-cancer-in-test-tube To continually perpetuate the myths that pot is dangerous, addictive, or somehow a 'gateway' to the use of harder drugs is scientifically inaccurate, and socially - and professionally - irresponsible. Please stop it, and print a correction. Russell Barth Federally licensed medical marijuana user, Patients Against Ignorance and Discrimination on Cannabis. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin