Pubdate: Sat, 14 Jul 2001
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2001 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact:  http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: Neil Macnaughton

LEGALIZE, REGULATE MARIJUANA USE

I write to congratulate you on your excellent editorial Debate pot 
legalization (July 7).

Many newspaper reports on the medicinal cannabinoid studies mistakenly 
concluded they were a blow to medicinal marijuana claims. Your editorial 
rightly demonstrated that prohibition is causing scientists to focus on 
marijuana extracts and derivatives instead of the real thing. It is 
marijuana in its whole form that helps "relieve pain, nausea and 
suppression of appetite for those who are ill, or undergoing medical therapy."

Decriminalization does nothing to combat crime. It may help small-time 
users avoid a damaging criminal record, but it perpetuates the black market 
and the criminal organizations that supply it.

I fully support the legalization and regulation of this "relatively 
harmless" drug. Thank you for writing such an informed and sensible article.

Neil Macnaughton
Oakville, Ont.
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MAP posted-by: Beth