Pubdate: Tue, 29 Mar 2016
Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN)
Copyright: 2016 The Leader-Post Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.leaderpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361
Author: Christine Berriman
Page: A6

LEGALIZATION OF POT NEEDS REFERENDUM

New Zealand's retention of the Union Jack in its flag's corner was a 
decision taken by that country's population (in a referendum) and not 
by a prime minister and his cohorts.

The original flag's emblem stood for the kind of government and laws 
that had evolved over hundreds of years, which New Zealand, upon 
creation, espoused and followed. Cultural matters concern people. 
Referendums ask the people's opinion.

In Canada, legalizing marijuana use - in spite of its damaging effect 
on the undeveloped brains of children and youths (as experienced in 
Colorado and recently reported in newspapers) - is the kind of 
decision that needs a referendum.

Marijuana can affect the present population and future generations. 
Already, classrooms have children seriously affected by drug use. A 
referendum asking all Canadians whether they agree or not with such a 
cultural change should occur.

Christine Berriman, Regina
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom