Pubdate: Fri, 01 Jun 2012
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: Wayne Phillips
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n289/a07.html

DISCUSSION ON LEGALIZING POT MUST BE CONSTRUCTIVE

Re: 'Removing the desire to take drugs is the answer' ( Your Letters, 
May 22)

The idea that because both cannabis and tobacco are plants that are
smoked they are equally harmful has been disproved for some time now.
To claim otherwise is just silly. Cannabis is neither addictive, nor
does it cause cancer; the same cannot be said for tobacco.

Moreover, it is common knowledge that caffeine is more habituating
than cannabis. Should caffeine be prohibited, as well?

Discussions surrounding the legalization of cannabis should not be
construed as an opportunity to convolute the ills of drug prohibition
(in general) onto the issue of cannabis legalization. To do so solves
nothing, nor does it move the issue forward.

Legalization of cannabis is about dealing with the ramifications the
prohibition of cannabis in Canada has already incurred. It is,
therefore, appropriate to mention that any allusion to criminal
associations with other illicit substances arises solely in relation
to the prohibition thereof. In short, the idea (of legalization) is to
circumvent criminal association.

Demeaning commentary about those favouring reform says more about the
author's attempt to diminish the discussion than it does to
substantiate the author's premise.

Wayne Phillips

Hamilton, Ont.
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MAP posted-by: Matt