Pubdate: Fri, 05 Oct 2012 Source: Coquitlam Now, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2012Lower Mainland Publishing Group, Inc. Contact: http://www.thenownews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1340 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n494/a05.html Author: Brian Wormald IF POT IS LEGAL, USE WILL INCREASE Re: "Gateway drug? How about a gateway policy on marijuana?" I acknowledge that there is a philosophical dilemma when it comes to the issue of whether marijuana should be de-criminalized/legalized (a very fine line) or not. It is my personal opinion that it should not. It is very simple. Look at the cost to the community already of legal human activities, alcohol consumption and smoking cigarettes being the most obvious - why introduce another problem? And that is what it will become. I would suggest that many people do not use the drug because of the penalties - if those are removed, then our own human nature will guarantee that usage will increase markedly and, like alcohol before it, the cost to the community. What B.C. mayors have done in their support for decriminalization is analogous to the problem of a holey dike. Let's fix it by removing our fingers (we're tired of this) and removing the complete dike itself. There are genuine people with health/wellness issues for whom the drug can benefit; I am not disputing that. All I am saying is that it is already far too easy to get - why make it easier? I personally have never used it (or any other prohibited substance) and I don't smoke cigarettes, but I do enjoy a responsible social drink. It is a sad reflection on humanity that people even need these substances to enhance, or even get through their day. Life itself is a drug and it's everywhere - and free. Get out there, get involved, get passionate about something, and experience a high like you've never experienced. There is no magic cure to any of this, but keeping the flood gates shut will at least prevent excessive drownings. Brian Wormald Port Coquitlam - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom