Pubdate: Fri, 19 Jun 2009
Source: Langley Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Langley Times
Contact:  http://www.langleytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1230
Author: Katrina McEachern
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n618/a09.html

MARIJUANA USE CAN AFFECT BEHAVIOUR

Editor: I am writing to respond to the letter written by Sharon 
Parker in last Friday's (June 12) edition of The Times.

After reading the opinion expressed in the letter "Marijuana 
prohibition does not make sense," I feel obligated to share my view 
and speak up for those who have been affected by someone else's marijuana use.

There is no question that alcohol is easily accessible and more 
acceptable in society than marijuana is. But just as there are those 
who choose to abuse alcohol, there are people who choose to abuse 
their use of marijuana.

When it comes to those who choose to have more than just a few tokes 
of pot, marijuana abuse can cause just as many problems and 
consequences as alcohol if not more, because it is illegal.

Since Parker claims to not know a single person who has been affected 
by someone else's marijuana use, how can she state "people who smoke 
pot do not become violent and abusive?"

I've witnessed the change in a person's behaviour when that person is 
high, and the effects on those surrounding them over time, and the 
problem is out there.

I am one person whose life has been greatly affected by someone 
else's abuse of marijuana. My two-year-old daughter became another 
person affected, when her father and I separated last year after his 
marijuana addiction left our family financially unstable and 
emotionally depleted.

His addiction interfered with our day-to-day living and put a huge 
strain on our marriage, and it stole the dreams we had both shared of a family.

The people responsible for not passing a law legalizing marijuana 
must then be aware of families who are already being destroyed 
because of its misuse. What good could come from making it more 
accessible as a legal substance, thus making it available to more 
people and running the risk of a greater chance of misuse?

Katrina McEachern, Langley
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom