Pubdate: Tue, 18 Apr 2017
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2017 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v17/n137/a07.html
Author: Colin Whitworth
Page: A10

REFLECTING ON MARIJUANA LEGISLATION

Re Where will Canadians buy their marijuana?, April 15

I applaud the move to legalize recreational marijuana. It was made
illegal decades ago without any health studies that deemed it harmful,
and since we've learned that marijuana is far less harmful than
tobacco or alcohol, both legal.

There's no reason to treat marijuana differently than we treat booze
and cigarettes. Most opposition to this is based on decades of
propaganda that linked marijuana to hard, addictive drugs like heroin,
which is laughable.

You cannot overdose on marijuana, and there's never been a death
linked to merely smoking pot. It is not physically addictive, and its
psychological effects tend to make people more passive and agreeable,
which is why you never hear about marijuana-related violence, except
as it relates to the black market sales.

Yes, marijuana should be regulated, with age limits, driving
restrictions and such. But it should be no more difficult to buy pot
than it is to buy beer or a pack of cigarettes.

Colin Whitworth, Toronto
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt