Pubdate: Wed, 16 Oct 2002 Source: Mississauga News (CN ON) Copyright: The Mississauga News 2002 Contact: http://www.mississauganews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/268 Author: Lisa Ruffolo MYAC JUST SAYS 'NO THANKS' TO LEGALIZED DRUG CAMPAIGN Mississauga's youth are opposed to the Canadian Senate's recommendation to legalize marijuana. The Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee (MYAC) came to that conclusion at its September general meeting. "We believe that legalizing marijuana would encourage young people to use drugs and would send the wrong message out to the public," said 16-year-old William Li, director of communications for MYAC. One of MYAC's important functions is presenting views on important issues affecting young people. All residents aged 14-24 are invited to attend the general meetings. The committee tabled a resolution stating its opposition to the legalization of Cannabis. The document stated that the effect marijuana has on learning and memory and the likelihood that legalization would encourage drug use, as well as pose short and long-term health risks, were among the reasons cited. MYAC will forward its decision to the House of Commons, where the federal government responds to all recommendations that the Senate Committee makes. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom