Alcohol and cigarettes worse than cannabis?

Q. Cannabis shouldn’t be around kids, but I’d bet cancer-causing second-hand cigarette smoke is way worse for them to smell while walking down a sidewalk, etc. Also, we should probably discuss drinking alcohol to excess in front of children.

Let’s face it, alcohol and cigarettes are worse than pot. Time will teach society this.

A. With the legalization of cannabis in Canada in just a month (Oct. 17), the comparison of relative risks of alcohol and cigarettes to children isn’t the main issue to consider for now.

We already know that cannabis is slated to become big business, that it has recreational appeal and also that it has a growing place in health care.

But its use by children — including teens and young adults — is the worrisome aspect that still needs strong attention not only by parents but also by regulators, marketers and retailers.

Young people are, by nature, attracted to the newest shiny thing.

Now, the cannabis industry and enthusiasts like you have an opportunity to be loud and clear about why smoking or ingesting marijuana is a serious health risk for young people whose brains are still developing.

Here’s information from the Government of Canada’s own website on health effects specific to young people:

“Cannabis use that begins early in adolescence, that is frequent and that continues over time is more likely to bring about harms. Some of those harms may never fully go away.

“Research shows the brain is not fully developed until around age 25. This is because THC, the substance that gives the ‘high’ in cannabis, affects the same machinery in the brain that directs brain development.

“The higher the amount of THC in cannabis, the more likely one is to be harmed by it.”

So, enough with how bad alcohol and cigarettes are for our kids and youth. Let’s get it right on cannabis.

Stuck in a loveless marriage

Q. I’ve been married for 30 years to my first love. I make her feel cherished and loved. But 10 years ago our sex life declined to once a month while her interest in social media took 40 hours weekly!

If I’d left her 10 years ago, I would’ve put myself in a financially secure position. Now, she’ll get half of everything, so I’m stuck.

I’m cost averaging and feel that I’m best off staying in my marriage.

A. Well then, you might as well sleep with your accountant.

You mention no discussions together about how you two could regain some intimacy … and no seeking medical or counselling help to regain some needed physical connection.

Until you at least try, I predict your bank book will be cold comfort.

Tell her how you feel.

Relationship courtesies

Feedback: Regarding the young woman’s anger at her boyfriend for his past cheating (Aug. 11):

Reader: “You seem to have sanctioned the guy’s cheating and blamed her.

“What about if he had ‘gently explained’ to her that he needed reassurance when she was spending time with her friends?

“People don’t automatically ‘stray’ because the other partner spends some time apart.

“She should move on and find someone who won’t use excuses and blame her for his behaviour.”

Ellie: No, I don’t sanction cheating. But years of writing this column has shown that, outside of incorrigible players, most people stray for a reason, such as feeling their partner’s distance.

She’s 22, with him since 17. She needed more time with her girlfriends.

I asked if she’d explained this to him because it’s a relationship courtesy.

I suspect that she’ll move on. That’s why I recommended that they take a break.