Pubdate: Thu, 27 Apr 2006 Source: Eye Magazine (CN ON) Copyright: 2006 Eye Communications Ltd. Contact: http://www.eye.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/147 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n526/a02.html Author: Anonymous POT HURTS Re "Beyond the law," Letters, April 20: The main point I was trying to make ("Decriminalizing dope," Letters, April 13) was I didn't agree that pot is a harmless recreational drug and should therefore be legalized. It's not. Mood-altering substances have a damaging effect on the brain and body whether they're legal or not. Addiction is not about being "irresponsible." It's addiction. And don't give me any crap about the benefits of marijuana legalization. Nicotine, pills and booze are legal and are "used irresponsibly." They also fall into the hands of underage kids who break the law by using them. I still don't think pot should be legal in that it should be openly used and bought. However, I think it's ridiculous that someone receives a jail term and criminal record for possession of a small amount or because they use pot for medicinal purposes. That was my other point: I didn't agree with the Conservatives taking two steps back regarding decriminalization. NAME WITHHELD - --- MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPF Florida)