Pubdate: Tue, 06 May 2003
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Amy Starkey
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n650/a01.html?1589

HERE'S WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT: TOKING UP BEING HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH (1 of 2)

Why do anti-drug harpies like Province columnist Jon Ferry always forget to 
talk about the hazards of alcohol consumption when vilifying the drug 
culture? We all know how effective alcohol prohibition was.

Why don't you quote some of the statistics that point to the health risks 
and social dangers resulting from alcohol abuse?

If we follow his logic, then alcohol should be illegal too. But the fact is 
that prohibition doesn't work. It creates a black market that is far more 
dangerous than the actual consumption of the drug.

Alcohol is legal because many people are able to use it responsibly, and 
the proponents of cannabis are merely asking to be given the same 
consideration.

Alcohol abuse leads to criminal activity in far greater numbers than 
marijuana abuse. And while tobacco is becoming less acceptable by society, 
it is still a legal substance when sold to adults, who have a right to 
decide for themselves whether to risk their own health or not.

Either decriminalize marijuana or prohibit alcohol and tobacco as well.

Amy Starkey,

Vancouver
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