|
ALLERGIC REACTION TO POT SMOKE
Cannabis use widespread, Letter, Feb. 28.
While I do not disagree that cannabis use is widespread, I challenge Alan McKinlay to accompany me in my fight to live in the face of others' recreation.
I suffer from anaphylaxis to marijuana, the same condition that countless Canadians suffer from, the most famous form being anaphylaxis to peanuts.
During walks up and down Yonge Street, I find myself in the grips of a severe allergy attack and am forced to administer my epi-pen and call an ambulance.
While McKinlay believes that no harm can come from his recreational use, I wish he would talk to the wonderful, compassionate hospital room triage nurses and doctors who shake their heads in disbelief as they treat me while I shake, cry, wretch and suffer in pain.
I do not dispute that many wonderful, kind, caring people get high once in a while. But it is illegal for a reason. The smoke is thick and permeates everything around it in a way that cigarette smoke does not.
It is time for the negative effects of marijuana on those who do not partake ( I have never even seen it ) to be brought to light.
If legalized, I face an uncertain future, as do countless citizens who have never been exposed to the substance and could very well be as allergic to it as I am.
I challenge McKinlay: the next time I collapse and end up in Toronto General, come and sit with me in the emergency room for the long five-hour wait.
See how I suffer, and then make your case for marijuana's benign glory.
Courtney Prizrenac, Burlington
-----------------------------------------------
I want to take a bong rip and blow it in this guys face.
|