Pubdate: Fri, 09 Dec 2011 Source: Alberni Valley Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2011 N.B. deWaal Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouverisland/albernivalleytimes/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4043 Author: N.B. deWaal Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n685/a05.html?1125 MARIJUANA IS A HARMLESS DRUG AND SHOULD BE LEGAL Re: "Proof is out there about harm from marijuana," (Alberni Valley Times, Dec. 5) Ms. Bruce is quick to cite studies, but I wonder if she read them. If she did then there's a lot that she missed, or chose to miss. In the Caspi et. al. study that she quoted, the study is quick and vehement when it states that marijuana is "not a major cause of schizophrenia" and adds that "a historical use in cannabis use would not necessarily produce an observable increase in the prevalence of psychosis." I find little in the Fergussen and Bowden study that supports the opinion of Ms. Bruce. There is a long list of marijuana proponents and users who are quite successful from all around the world and from all walks of life. It's time to legalize this harmless drug and save ourselves billions of tax dollars spent on the useless "war on drugs." N.B. deWaal Port Alberni - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom