Dear Editor,

What is the smoking age in Jamaica? Sixteen, I suppose.That’s still too young for one to start destroying one’s lungs.We are accustomed of hearing these remarks: “Puss and dog nuh have one luck,” or “Different strokes for different folks.” Those statements have been found to be true.Recently, I heard a lady call one of the radio call-in programmes and she said that she had smoked ganja once — she just tried it — and it nearly caused her to lose her head. And, according to her, never again, would she dare to touch it. She said, also, that her brother is mentally ill after smoking the ‘weed’.I would prefer all those who are in favour of marijuana, and love to smoke it, to cease from smoking it, and drink it instead. Use it as medicine in whatever way you wish, but don’t destroy your lungs with it, because it may give you lung cancer. It’s better to be sensible than sorry.Finally, all those who are under the age of 16 should not play with ganja, because, if you play with fire you will get burnt. Argument done! 

Donald J McKoy

donaldmckoy2010@hotmail.com