Pubdate: Tue, 28 Dec 2010 Source: Chilliwack Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2010 Chilliwack Times Contact: http://www.chilliwacktimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1357 Author: Sheldon Starrett GLAD TO SEE MAYOR DEALING WITH ISSUE Editor: I, for one, am glad to see Mayor Sharon Gaetz and council considering the safety to the public by considering zoning bylaws to restrict the growth of cannabis in Chilliwack. The City of Chilliwack should not have to deal with the burden such large scale operations have on electricity, but also the limited freshwater supply that is unique to Chilliwack. Though there are many concerns ranging from the possibility of fire, to theft and violence being caused. Many of the usual suspects of whiny "marijuana activism" such as one Jacob Hunter and various others have come out of the pot-work to condemn this move because it does not sit well with their personal agenda. The only medicinal use I think it has an effective response on is one to do with blindness, otherwise people primarily use it as a means to get high to escape pain. There are nowadays a number of other available painkillers that are perfectly legal and can do that job. They also do not punish innocent people who do not want to smell that horrible smell. This drug can have some serious impacts on any person's life, just as with any other illegal substance. Common use of this drug can cause an addiction and mess up users' daily lives. Certainly one who cannot sleep properly from excessive use can go into fits or rages because their biological clock is not in proper rhythm, and can also experience drug-induced hallucinations. Continuous use can increase male users' risks of contracting testicular cancer. A number of these activists enjoy citing propaganda that this is a "safe drug," however it remains a dangerous drug nonetheless, even if its health risks are not as immediately dangerous as others. In conclusion, thank you for looking into this issue Mayor Gaetz. It seems like the city will take a principled stand on this issue, and I wish them luck in dealing with all the crazy activists who will attempt to prevent this. The best thing to do is to ignore the likes of Jacob Hunter; they are national disgraces with no sense of honour or integrity. The man rolled and smoked this drug in the Prime Minister's Calgary constituency office. They lack class and have no shame. Sheldon Starrett, Chilliwack - --- MAP posted-by: Matt