Pubdate: Thu, 03 Feb 2005 Source: Windsor Star (CN ON) Copyright: The Windsor Star 2005 Contact: http://www.canada.com/windsor/windsorstar/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501 Author: Fareeaa Abdool Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) POT LEGISLATION IGNORES EFFECTS I am writing in response to the government's inconsequential decision to decriminalize marijuana. Essentially, there are a variety of negative effects, which will be initiated by the implementation of this proposed law. Marijuana, also known by several other street names, has a variety of short-term effects including loss of co-ordination, increased heart rate and distorted perception. Chronic use of marijuana can result in bronchitis, respiratory problems and effects on the brain, liver, immune system, as well as hormones. These health issues alone would negate any potential benefits to this ludicrous law, which would simply be increased revenue for the government. Instead of acting as a deterrent, however, this legislation will in fact prompt individuals, especially teenagers, to either continue or to become involved with substance abuse. Individuals will no longer receive a criminal record, rather, a slap on the wrist and possibly a fine. The decriminalization of marijuana will also instigate an increase in the number of marijuana grow operations across Canada, which are already beyond police control. With 75 per cent of drug-related criminal charges connected with marijuana, and approximately 50,000 Canadians arrested each year for marijuana-related crimes, the misuse of marijuana and the illegal trafficking into the United States is a direct result of the continually increasing rate of organized crime. Conclusively, this corrupt legislation instigates zero contemplation of the moral values of the government, which unfortunately, ignores the probable consequences of its actions and further degrades our society. FAREEAA ABDOOL Windsor - --- MAP posted-by: Beth