Pubdate: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 Source: Whitby This Week (CN ON) Copyright: 2014 Metroland Media Group Contact: http://www.durhamregion.com/whitby-on/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3823 Note: Please specify Whitby This Week as source in LTE Author: Brad Hogg MARIJUANA NO WORSE THAN ALCOHOL To the editor: Re: 'Marijuana has helped millions', letter to the editor, May 30, 2014. The letter writer debunks the myth that marijuana causes cancer. We can see proof of this when we look at pot smokers from the 1960s not contracting cancer. If you are a pot smoker this should be a relief and possibly support Justin Trudeau's endorsement to legalize pot. At the same time I know that smoking pot gives brain damage, but so does alcohol. If someone does not find pot they will resort to other drugs. This could be alcohol, or it could be crack cocaine or heroin. If pot is readily available then there is less chance of a drug dealer exposing you to the hard drugs. I am not for substance abuse, but I am fair in saying pot is no worse than alcohol. If controlled, tax dollars could be raised, and pot dealers will not end up in jail, saving even more money for court costs and prison sentences. New ideas take time, so I am curious when pot will be legal for all Canadians and not just legal for those who use it for medicinal purposes. Brad Hogg Oshawa - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom