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 - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom