Pubdate: Thu, 22 Dec 2016
Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU)
Copyright: 2016 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.montrealgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274
Author: Charles Shefler
Page: A10

PROTECTING OUR KIDS FROM DRUGS

Re: "'Prince of Pot' defiant after arrest in Montreal" (Montreal 
Gazette, Dec. 19)

I am dumbfounded that even my brightest friends call Marc and Jodie
Emery's move to open six marijuana dispensaries and get arrested a
brash move. It's really just a well-crafted publicity stunt - cheap
advertising.

But there's something much less talked about: How will we protect our
kids in a legalized marijuana environment?

Fact: 90 per cent of adult addicts started off by smoking marijuana 
before the age of 18.

Fact: Marijuana is the most common "gateway" drug.

Fact: Unsuspecting and uninformed kids are smoking synthetic marijuana 
thinking it's just plain old grass. This new drug has been associated 
with paranoia, psychosis, high blood pressure, blurred vision, vomiting, 
strokes, heart attacks and even death.

The most powerful gift we can give our kids is our example as adults
and prevent them from using drugs through love, being present,
educating them and warning them of the consequences.

Charles Shefler, International Drug Awareness Research Foundation, 
Pointe-Claire
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MAP posted-by: Matt