Pubdate: Thu, 17 Mar 2011
Source: Oceanside Star (BC)
Copyright: 2011 Oceanside Star
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/oceansidestar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4880
Author: Johann Mott
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n163/a05.html?1176

POT SMOKERS SELF-REGULATE

The Editor:

My mind is boggled more by the specious arguments made by Deborah
Joyce ('Pot isn't good for family life,' March 10) than it would ever
be by smoking marijuana (which I don't).

True, currently available marijuana is more potent on a weight basis
than it was in decades past, but users self-regulate their smoking to
their desired level of 'highness.' When they perceive that they are
stoned enough, they pass it on or put it out.

Ironically, the higher potency is a benefit, since they tend to inhale
less than in prior years, and thus any harm done to their lungs is
mitigated.

Historically, some batches of marijuana were adulterated with PCP,
although this incidence has declined precipitously over the last
several decades. PCP-laced pot is now largely an urban myth and, after
an extensive web search, I find no evidence of it ever having been
found on this island.

Beyond the sensational fears that this perennial chestnut engenders,
it reflects evidence of the need for a source of safe, regulated,
legal marijuana, or the right for all users to legally grow it
themselves. Otherwise, there will always be questions about possible
adulterants, inflated cost, and shady dealings in regard to marijuana
acquired on the street.

Johann Mott,

Bowser
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.