Pubdate: Sat, 28 Dec 2002
Source: Canadian Champion, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002 Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing Ltd
Contact:  http://www.haltonsearch.com/hr/mcc/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1503
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

ESTABLISHING LOOSER LAWS FOR MARIJUANA POSSESSION WON'T BENEFIT CANADA: READER

Dear Editor: This letter is directed to Halton MP Julian Reed.

As one of your constituents I want to request that you fully inform 
yourself on the pros and cons of decriminalizing marijuana before voting.

I've chatted with a lot of police in the region, as well as those working 
in rehabilitation centres and detention centres for youth in this area.

I've yet to meet anyone directly involved with our teenagers who says 
anything other than that marijuana is a gateway drug.

I recently met one 16-year-old youth who spend time in a rehabilitation 
centre. He has spleen damage, liver damage and damage to both retinas 
because of substance abuse.

There are a number of U.S. reports that document the damage done to our 
teens and the body. De-criminalizing the drug will surely increase its 
availability to our youth and compromise the work done by our 
rehabilitation and detention centres.

Will it be legalized after that and then taxed?

Is this supposed to benefit Canadians?

Please find out the facts before contributing to worsening the situation 
for our youth and those precious Canadians who are working so hard to keep 
our youth drug free.

Dr. Christopher Eriksson, CEO

The Art of Healthy Living Inc.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager