Pubdate: Wed, 10 Oct 2012
Source: Record, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.royalcityrecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1654
Author: Brian Wormald

LEGALIZATION NOT THE ANSWER

Dear Editor:

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 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
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MAP posted-by: Matt