Pubdate: Wed, 30 Aug 2006
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 The Ottawa Citizen
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1139/a02.html
Author: Wayne Phillips
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

PROHIBITION BACKFIRES

Re: Experts resurrect 'reefer madness' as reason to crack down on 
marijuana, Aug. 28.

Considering the consequences of prohibition, one would be 
hard-pressed to believe there are any reasons to discourage young 
people from using cannabis.

If, as the epidemiologists say, the studies are clear that using 
marijuana can precipitate schizophrenia in susceptible teens and 
young adults, then the prohibition of cannabis clearly demonstrates a 
truly nefarious side effect: it allows for cannabis to be made 
accessible to the young.

Teens and young adults can have no greater access to cannabis than 
with prohibition in place. Thanks to prohibition, the Al Capones of 
the drug-world can, and do, reach into schoolyards and playgrounds 
with relative impunity. For every drug peddler arrested, there are 
more willing to take his or her place, once the bullets stop flying.

If keeping cannabis out of the hands of youths is the best reason to 
date for ending the prohibition of cannabis, then messages be damned, 
end prohibition now!

Wayne Phillips,

Hamilton,

LEAP (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition)
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman