laughing matter, says reader Dear Editor: A recent freelance article in your youth section about legalizing marijuana was so rife with misinfor- mation that a few comments are definitely in order. The Cannabis Cabal have for years been toeing the line that marijuana is not harmful to people. Some of the old nonsense that has become part of the marijua- na folklore was brainlessly repeated by the young lady who wrote the recent freelance article. [am very surprised the North Shore News published this non- sense. ; Cannabis is very harmful. For instance. the smok- ing of marijuana causes increased incidences of breast and lung cancer, particularly amongst women. There are over 400 toxic and cancer-causing chemicals that are byproducts of burning marijuana, including hydrogen cyanide, benzene derivatives and even radioactive phosphorous. The active agent of cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydro- cannabinol (THC), THC is known to cause brain damage and neurological disorders, including Huntington's disease. If you want to turn yourself into a “pot head” or mental vegetable, by all means smoke pol. THC also causes psychiatric disorders, mood swings, cating disorders. indolence and, because of its effect on the vas deferens, causes inpotence in men, Recently, sctentifig evidence has also been gather- ing that THC causes problems with the body's immune system because of its effect on the spleen, and because of its inhibiting effect on white blood cell production. Marijuana ought not to be tegatized in Canada for the simple reason that it is part of a huge substance abuse problem that is causing a considerable financial burden on the Canadian economy, Nearly 7% of Canadians are habitual users of cannabis, Its use caus- es incalculable harm on the individual, on their fami- lies and friends, on their employers and on Canada’s health and social programs, Instead of legalizing martjuana in Canada there are very strong arguments in support of the opposite view, such as mandatory drug testing and stiff penal- ties. Patrick Bruskiewich North Vancouver Collins has right to write Dear Editor: Re: Doug Collins’ column, Sunday. July 31, What js truly alarming along with the Cunmidian immigeation fiasco is that it is considered a fatey pas to dis- cuss this disaster in mainstream jour- nalism. Our journalists are terrified of not appearing “nice and caring.” They all want to be liked, I disagree with Doug Collins on a nurnber of salient poiits but thank God he has the guts to raise the issue and that management at the North Shore News gives Mr. Collins a forum. Christopher Lambert North Vancouver CORRECTION NOTICE In our B7-2 Summer Advan- tage Sale fiyer, Famous Mak- ers Sheet Sets on page 22 will be late - rainchecks will be available at the store. Century Travelite Stroller on page 11 should have stated that sale in effect from Aug 19th to Aug 13th. in our B7-28 Preseascn Sale flyer, Canvas Jacket on page 58 will be late - rainchecks will be available at the store. Boy's NBA Team Shop Fleece on page 70 should read “Teams Vary by Store.” In our B7-3B Home & White Sale flyer, Big Deal Duvet on page 4 will be late - rainchecks will be available at the store. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Caring about COMMU! ties Call now - classes start in September Family Literacy Class ¢ Improve your reading and writing skills Papers cost trees Dear Editor: Undoubtedly you people have better chings to do than attend to this but it’s been driving me crazy for several years now. Every Friday | get these two real estale papers tucked inside the free North Shore News. Lo yuu think it's necessary to send this much pulp wood to God knows how many thousands of homes, when virtually the same thing is broadcast over cable TV? Il have been throwing them out. From now on Lam going to deliver them back to the main office on Lonsdale. Naw you can get back to the good work. Rex Bromfield West Vancouver Supporting f 4 Crime Prevention SUN * Explore issues that are important to you and your children Join us on campus for clisses three times per week. We offer a range of support services to help you succeed. Financial aid is also available. 8.25" 5 Year RRSP Sudyect ta change without notice To find out how you can become a student in the Capilano College Family Literacy Class, call the Family Literacy Coordinator at 984-4971. F Citizens Trust Better than Maney in the Hank 2055 Purcall Way North Vancouver - British Columbia Canada V7J 3H5 Call 984-3773 North Vancouver Branch Co-spansored by the North Shore Neighbourhood House 202-1217 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver The winner of the August Ambleside Merchants Association “Ambleside Merchants Making the Difference” is Joanne E. Hudder. Presenting the $100 gift certificate is Henry Lum and Tony Mo of Ambieside TV & Video. Look for September Contest informatiom coming soon! h sho + TRE VOICE OF NORTH ANO WENT VANCOUVER 104 BUMDAY > WEDNESDAY = FRIDAY VEMOLE) COVENT VONMDIARY OF VATCITY © ME . FABRIC LIQUIDATION TABLES Fabricland Sewing Club Members VONLY $2.00, 7$3.00n $4.06n,; $5.00. SALE ADD VANCOUVE -B14 West 6th & Willo MBLP CARATIA DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION FINAL WEEK! DON'T MISS THESE FANTASTIC BARGAINS?