Pubdate: Fri, 13 May 2011 Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU) Copyright: 2011 Canwest Publishing Inc. Contact: http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/letters.html Website: http://www.montrealgazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274 Author: Michael Ashby. Director, National Pardon Centre Montreal Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n299/a02.html POT POLICY IS THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM Re: "Marijuana not harmful? Not true" (Gazette, May 11). Although opposed to decriminalization, Alvin Powell makes a very strong case for the complete legalization of pot because in at least one respect he's absolutely right: the marijuana on the street is not what it used to be. And since I know with the certainty of death and taxes that my kids will one day be confronted with this popular drug, I would prefer that it come from a reliable, regulated source in such a way that they aren't risking personal safety and a criminal record to get it. It is precisely this stupid policy, not the plant, causing the lion's share of the problem. Michael Ashby, Director, National Pardon Centre Montreal - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.