Dear Editor:
RE: Addicted children? (Feb. 23).
I continue to be concerned by letters submitted by people who don’t appear to take the time to do a little research regarding their subject.
Malcolm McCulloch warns that a cannabis store in the area would cause child addiction, criminal acts, homelessness and, of course, environmental issues.
I don’t know how children would suffer when you have to be of legal age to purchase product. You also can only purchase a certain amount due to criminal charges if you are discovered to have over that limit. The verdict is still out amongst researchers as to the viability of marijuana addiction. The only somewhat solid information is that approximately nine per cent of users become dependant.
As well as recreational use, many people with medical conditions also use it for chronic pain, Alzheimers, AIDS, Crohn’s, epilepsy, glaucoma, MS, and others. Ready access nearby would be a plus for folks who need it medically.
As for crime, check the stats. Since legalization, cannabis related crimes have dropped between 55 to 65%. Let’s address the environmental issues that the smell and smoke will somehow contaminate the building. You can only buy it there, you can’t smoke it. And you can’t smoke it in public.
Until recently, I had a legal medical card for marijuana that allowed me to possess twice the legal limit for medical use. The issue was chronic back pain. I could order CBD, THC, edibles and organic product for this malady. The pain went away but I didn’t become a homeless derelict breaking into the store because of my addiction.
Another point to consider is that it is legal to grow your own in the backyard with certain restrictions as to accessibility and number of plants.
I don’t mind people having opinions, but I do mind when they seem to be knee-jerk ones. Check statistics, research benefits, look up the law. To serve as an outlet in a community, cannabis retailers must have several licences, supply contracts, etc. and the operators must be stringently investigated as to history.
Communities that have outlets indicate no significant increase in crime and serve a need, whether medical or recreational. Children have no more chance of being influenced by this than they have of becoming addicted to alcohol and cigarettes. Last time I checked, both of those items were a lot more available to children than marijuana.
Terry Filce,
Belwood