Pubdate: Sat, 29 Oct 2016
Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB)
Copyright: 2016 The Edmonton Journal
Website: http://www.edmontonjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134
Author: Allan Shute
Page: A14

WHAT THE BIG HURRY TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA?

Re. "How many really want legal pot?," Brian Hutchinson, Oct.
27

What's with the big rush to legalize cannabis?

Doesn't the health-care system already spend billions to cover the
costs of smoking-related illnesses that could've been avoided if
people didn't smoke in the first place? Marijuana, medical or
otherwise, has just as many tars, toxins and carcinogens as tobacco,
if not more.

Don't we spend tens of millions to warn people smoking is bad for
them? Oh well, tax revenues are healthy.

And don't we spend time and money on no-smoking bans in public places?
While it might mean second-hand smoke every time we walk down the
street, the 'potential' upside is $22.6 billion a year.

And how about the untold costs of traffic deaths, injuries, court
costs, legal fees and imprisonments? Again, jobs, jobs, jobs. As a
late-1960s survivor of the harmless giggle, I can attest getting
weasly-eyed didn't sharpen my driving or my social skills.

As for those types tempted to toke and booze, Underground Comix hero
Freewheelin' Franklin Freek once advised: "Smoking grass and drinking
beer is like pissing into the wind."

Allan Shute, Edmonton
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MAP posted-by: Matt