HARMFUL SMOKE

It appears that your editor has fallen for the propaganda of the
potheads. Marijuana is not a benign smoke (End this marijuana
charade, April 22). It causes loss of motivation, a decrease in
thinking ability, paranoia and at times depression. It also damages
the lungs like tobacco smoke. The damage caused by smoking pot even
in small amounts is cumulative. It damages the brain like binge
drinking or alcoholism. Do not portray it as harmless!

I certainly agree with decriminalizing possession of small amounts,
because we do not want to put in jail teenagers and young adults,
especially males, who are essentially immature and going through a
growing phase.

ERNEST DIAS

Winnipeg