Pubdate: Sat, 25 Apr 2009 Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB) Copyright: 2009 Winnipeg Free Press Contact: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/info/letters/index.html Website: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502 Author: Ernest Dias Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n453/a06.html HARMFUL SMOKE It appears that your editor has fallen for the propaganda of the potheads. Marijuana is not a benign smoke (End this marijuana charade, April 22). It causes loss of motivation, a decrease in thinking ability, paranoia and at times depression. It also damages the lungs like tobacco smoke. The damage caused by smoking pot even in small amounts is cumulative. It damages the brain like binge drinking or alcoholism. Do not portray it as harmless! I certainly agree with decriminalizing possession of small amounts, because we do not want to put in jail teenagers and young adults, especially males, who are essentially immature and going through a growing phase. ERNEST DIAS Winnipeg - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom