Pubdate: Thu, 25 Sep 2008 Source: Sun Times, The (Owen Sound, CN ON) Copyright: 2008 Osprey Media Group Inc. Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/NtnHgLCY Website: http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1544 Author: Betty Harper Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n834/a05.html MARIJUANA IS FAR FROM A SAFE CHOICE Editor: This is an answer to Russell Barth's letter on our marijuana laws. As the oldest in a family of eight siblings who had to watch the youngest die at 46 years of age, I have to say Mr. Barth is full of BS. Ian was diagnosed with lung cancer and small T cells on March 28 and died on Dec. 7, two days before his 47th birthday. When asked if he smoked cigarettes he said no, but he failed to tell the doctors his weed of choice was marijuana, from the time he was 17 right up until he died. His wife was taking him out of his room in Princess Margaret hospital in a wheelchair so he could continue to smoke his life away. A 6 foot 2 inch, 250 pound man went down to yellow skin over bone, having a gallon of black tar drained from his lungs every two weeks. If you think this weed helps people resist cancer and keeps young people from becoming addicted then it is you who is blind and needs an excuse for becoming addicted to this weed. Don't ever print such nonsense again, trying to convince young people that marijuana is a safe choice. There is absolutely no pleasure or joy in watching someone you love die this way and being asked why the youngest is dying before the oldest. JUST SAY NO. Betty Harper, Tiverton - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom