Editor:
I am writing about the comment made by Jamie Brownlee (“Letter fails sniff test,” March 23) on the letter written by Kathy Morrant regarding the obnoxious odour of marijuana that she has to endure (“Breathing rights,” March 16). I don’t know if Mr. Brownlee partakes in the smoking of this foul-smelling substance, or if he has ever had the occasion to smell it. I concur with Kathy Morrant that the odour coming from a neighbour who smokes marijuana definitely takes away any enjoyment you have in your yard and your home if you want to open a window. It smells like a dozen skunks have sprayed their scent. I would suppose if you are a regular smoker of this substance that possibly you have lost your ability to smell anything. If children are near this house they will be inhaling it as well and studies have shown how it can affect the developing brain.
I think that Mr. Brownlee should do some seeking of knowledge on the subject before he puts someone down for having a legitimate complaint. I surely hope that there will be some kind of fine put in effect for these people who have no regard for their neighbours or our children and continue to pollute the air we breathe. If you absolutely have only one choice to medicate yourself with, why not take marijuana pills instead? Recently in the paper, there was a story about a policewoman who helped with a marijuana bust and was very badly sickened due to an unknown allergy to this substance. There is a noise bylaw and there should be an offensive odour bylaw as well. Thank you, Kathy, for writing your letter; this is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with.
Anita Huss, Sechelt
