Pubdate: Wed, 07 Nov 2012
Source: Prince George Citizen (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Prince George Citizen
Contact:  http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/350
Author: L.M. Cook
Cited: Stop the Violence BC: http://stoptheviolencebc.org/
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n563/a06.html

A COUPLE OF POINTS, BUD

Mr. Zimmer's reasons for his opposition to marijuana legalization beg 
for rebuttal:

1) Marijuana (MJ) as a gateway drug - does Mr. Zimmer have evidence 
for this or is it just a feeling that he has? One assumes that Mr. 
Zimmer prefers MJ users to get their supply from drug dealers as 
opposed to a government-controlled outlet. Dealers sometimes also 
sell cocaine, heroin etc. What a great way to introduce other drugs.

2) Legalizing MJ "is just going to put it into the hands of more 
young people". Where is the evidence? Other jurisdictions have not 
found this to be the case and MJ is very easy to get even now when it 
is illegal. Mr. Zimmer as much as confirmed this when he referred to 
his students.

3)Criminals will just move onto other things if MJ is legalized. Does 
Mr. Zimmer think that criminals have not already "moved onto other 
things"? Opponents of MJ legalization often argue that legalization 
will not solve all issues of drug use and criminal activity. Well, of 
course not.

There are many other reasons to legalize MJ. Go to www.stoptheviolencebc.org

It is regrettable that both Mr. Zimmer and Mr. Harris have forgotten 
the Reform/Alliance/Conservative parties' promise that their MP's 
would represent the views of their constituents rather than their 
own. Ninety two per cent is a pretty loud message.

L.M. Cook, M.D.

Prince George
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom