Pubdate: Wed, 21 May 2003
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Bill Wilson

DON'T MAKE DRUG ACCEPTABLE

Have we forgotten that there is a battle on to try to prevent young
Canadians from acquiring a tobacco habit? Do we want to show any
approval of smoking marijuana, which I understand is even more
carcinogenic?

We are worried about drunk drivers. What about the thousands of
drugged drivers in Canada? I daily watch youths smoke pot beside our
home then drive away. Do you want to meet them on the road? I don't.

If marijuana possession is no longer a criminal offence will there not
be many who for the thrill of taking "illegal" drugs will move on to
something even stronger? I understand that growing and trafficking
marijuana will still be illegal and subject to prosecution but if the
demand is up from users we will see even more growers and
traffickers.

Please, for the sake of our society and its young people, do not make
it more acceptable to use pot. The short term lower cost to the
country in fewer criminal prosecutions will cost us all more in the
long run.

Bill Wilson,

Saanichton.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake