Pubdate: Fri, 13 Sep 2002 Source: Richmond News (CN BC) Copyright: 2002, Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc. Contact: http://www.richmond-news.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1244 Author: Donna Sargent VIEWS ON CANNABIS AT LOCAL MEETING WERE 'ONE-SIDED' To the editor, (Re: Recent results of the Cannabis Senate Report.) The results have been bothering me a great deal since they came out and I have been frustrated thinking that readers and listeners might think this report is valuable and informative. I am a mother of two teenagers and have many thoughts about the drug cannabis (marijuana), its use and its place in society. I felt, when I received by special invitation to the recent "Senate road show," that I should attend and listen to views and perhaps voice my opinions on the topic. When I arrived at the Senate meeting, it became clear to me very quickly that it was a very one-sided view the Senate was hearing. The audience was mostly filled with people that supported the use of cannabis. I was lucky enough to receive an invitation. How were the other members of my community invited? My deep concern is in the fact that if the Senate believes it heard from my community on the topic, it is very sadly mistaken and that if it is basing the outcomes on the feedback collected - at least in this community - then it is wrong and, in my opinion, invalid. I felt quite strongly about this at the time of the meeting and mentioned my concerns to one of the organizers. She, in turn, told me the meeting had been put together very quickly and there wasn't enough time to really advertise the meeting, etc. I walked out of the meeting very frustrated but thought there may be other opportunities for my community to talk about this before the Senate gave its opinions. Given the most recent headlines and articles in the media, it is clear there will be no other opportunities. I think this topic is extremely important and deserves some real conversations, more than one thrown together at the last minute. Conversations that involve lots of opinions from lots of people in our community. Donna Sargent, Richmond school trustee - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D