Pot smoke worse than cigarettes

Dear editor: Towns and cities all across the country are setting regulations on where marijuana can be sold and smoked. Council and staff in Penticton have suggested that people be allowed to smoke outside as long as it is on private property.

We live in an age today where it is no longer acceptable to smoke. We have forced smokers into back alleys, away from entrances to retail outlets, banned smoking in public buildings all in an effort to enforce the right of non-smokers to clean air.

Yet marijuana smoke is far more offensive then cigarette smoke. The effect of inadvertently inhaling it for those susceptible (or unaware they are susceptible) to psychotic episodes which can be normally controlled by medication can be catastrophic.

A research study by a leading U.S. pediatrician Dr. Karen Wilson shows that children absorb chemicals from second-hand marijuana smoke. There are detectable marijuana metabolites (small molecules) in the urine of children which have been exposed to marijuana. (Penticton Herald, Aug. 20)

Harvard too gets in on the act in their blog noting that evidence points to children, youth and young adults whose brains are still developing once exposed to marijuana may have permanent effect on mental process such as memory and even I.Q.

Pot parties in your backyard can put your neighbours at risk. The question not answered is whether the schools have a duty to involve child welfare services where the negative effects of marijuana put children at risk: Or whether bylaws allowing negative effects on non-smokers can set a city up for lawsuits.

So many young lives have been negatively affected by regular use of marijuana that society has a duty to ensure non-smokers of this drug are not negatively affected. The dangers of second-hand marijuana smoke to minors, the elderly and those with lung diseases are well documented.

Get involved. The city is holding an open house discussing many issues including SOEC parking and the marijuana use today at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre from 4-7 p.m.