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 
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MAP posted-by: Beth