Pubdate: Sat, 10 Aug 2013
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2013 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Larry Comeau
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n381/a10.html

POT: TO LEGALIZE OR NOT

Re: Spell out policy on pot, Editorial Aug. 5

I agree with you that Justin Trudeau owes it to Canadians to explain 
how his legalizing marijuana would actually work. I have problems 
following his rationale for legalization. It seems to be his belief 
that by legalizing and regulating pot that will keep it out of the 
hands of our youth. We all know how successful that has been keeping 
tobacco and alcohol out of the hands of young people.

Not only that, in both cases legalization has resulted in a black 
market for both substances, with the entrance of organized criminal 
elements. I can see the same thing happening if we follow the same 
path with marihuana.

The other aspect Mr. Trudeau seems to ignore is that today's 
hydroponically produced marijuana is many times more potent than that 
produced in the past. This makes it more likely to lead to addiction, 
adding even more problems to our struggling healthcare system.

I think Mr. Trudeau should rethink this subject before pushing ahead.

Larry Comeau, Ottawa
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom