Pubdate: Fri, 25 Mar 2005
Source: Mississauga News (CN ON)
Copyright: The Mississauga News 2005
Contact:  http://www.mississauganews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/268
Author: Lubaina Hakimjee

GONE TO POT

Dear Editor:

Re: Keep Lid on Pot, Mar. 5-6 edition

Imagine yourself walking down a street, when you notice a small group of 
teenagers, no older than your son/daughter, using marijuana and getting high.

Not experienced it yet? Well, it is only a matter of time before this may 
become a common sight.

As a grade 10 student and a concerned citizen, I strongly believe marijuana 
should not be decriminalized and should remain illegal.

While supporters believe that current penalties are too severe and 
marijuana criminal records cause employment problems, are they aware 
addictions to marijuana have actually increased over the last four years?

Replacing criminal records and prison sentences with fines will not help 
Canada overcome this problem. Rather, it would further aggravate the 
situation, encouraging young people to consume the drug because the 
consequences would not be nearly as severe.

I fail to understand why the government would consider marijuana 
decriminalization, while they simultaneously discourage citizens from 
consuming the drug.

I, for one, believe they should put this issue to rest and leave the 
marijuana laws as they were.

Lubaina Hakimjee

Mississauga
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