Pubdate: Thu, 05 Feb 2015
Source: Alberni Valley Times (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Glacier Community Media
Contact:  http://www.avtimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4043
Author: Bruce Hornidge
Page: A4

MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION COULD HAVE FEARFUL PRICE

Perhaps I would agree with legalizing marijuana use if I really
believed that it is wholly for the treatment of medical issues. Some
people claim that pot controls pain and makes living more
comfortable.

As a cure for anything, marijuana use is not proven and is therefore
speculative. As a medium for creativity in the arts, pot may help that
minority of the "gifted" in society, but legalization is
unnecessary.

The "turn off" for me is the attitude displayed before the media
camera by people who favour legalizing pot. Comments like "can't stop
it anyway so save the taxpayer the enforcement costs by getting into
the business and tax it."

Legalization then becomes "it's all about the money."

Now, we are asked to legalize a gateway drug (marijuana) that young
people will become enamoured with as a starter experience and then
seek out the stronger drugs. We will continue to see the lives of
those young people and even pre-teens that will be trashed so others
can relish their smoking pleasure.

Pot activists push the legalize agenda and many people smile with an
almost laughing support. However, the evil arises from the criminals
who push their recreational drugs onto the innocent for money.

No amount of drug taxation will ever pay for the shattered lives,
collateral tragedies from gang wars, rehabilitation of addiction and
damages to property or families.

Education is offered as the answer to the problem of marijuana use and
drug abuse. Maybe it is supposed to be. However, it is another example
of money thrown into "education" to solve a problem.

Legalization of marijuana will have a fearful price for some. Am I
wrong?

Bruce Hornidge Port Alberni
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MAP posted-by: Matt