Secondhand high not fun

In his April 20 column, Shawn Vestal wrote that “in terms of personal freedom … it has always been impossible to understand how someone smoking pot did anyone else’s nose any harm – however skunky the aroma. …”

It may not be the nose that is harmed. It could have been me, my companion or the tall bystander blocking my view at my first and only concert at The Gorge. Imagine a version of a bellicose drunk, but instead of alcohol, high on the floating cloud of secondhand pot smoke that hovers at this venue.

Marijuana is not my cup of tea if for no other reason than it affects me adversely – instant headache, nausea, watery eyes and a “ten foot tall and bulletproof” mental mutation. Think caged animal!

What may be a cash crop for Washington is a major ordeal for me and interferes with my personal freedom. And after The Gorge incident, I try to avoid all encounters with the aroma; it’s safer for all. But don’t hold me responsible if your right to personal freedom infringes on my right to personal space causing a reaction of intended consequences.

Pam Stotts

Spokane