DOCTOR SHOULD DO RESEARCH

Dr.William G. Hobbs, who wrote the letter Anti-Drug Message Important
(Dec. 15), should have the academic experience to know that facts
must be substantiated.

First, he says that marijuana "destroys nerve cells ... In the
frontal lobe -- where cells are not regenerated." Dr. Hobbs should
refer to the recent work of Xia Zhang at the Neuropsychiatry Research
Unit at the University of Saskatchewan. His recent studies are
showing that cannabinoids promoted generation of new neurons in rats'
hippocampuses and that "chronic use of marijuana may actually improve
learning memory when the new neurons in the hippocampus can mature in
two or three months."

Second, Dr. Hobbs should know that THC is not an alkaloid.

Because of its hydroxyl (OH) groups, THC is technically an alcohol.
It lacks nitrogen and is therefore not an alkaloid. Not knowing the
difference can be a matter of life or death.

Because he is a doctor, he has a responsibility to be a little more
careful that the rest as his opinion could easily be mistaken for
medically proven facts. I recommend a second opinion.

CHUCK BEYER

Port Alberni, B.C.