Pubdate: Thu, 16 Aug 2001
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2001 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Norm Siefken
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

MEDICAL HYPOCRISY ON POT SMOKING

Re Doctors raise marijuana alarm, Aug 14.

How soon we forget. Four months ago, the Canadian Medical Association 
Journal (CMAJ) strongly endorsed decriminalization of marijuana for 
adults.

It said marijuana has "minimal negative" health effects when used in 
moderation.

Its message was clear: Let adults decide for themselves if they want 
to use pot for medical or recreational purposes.

Doctors know that marijuana is essentially harmless when compared to alcohol.

Alcohol keeps the emergency rooms busy, especially on weekends. 
Accidents, fights and spousal abuse are the most common 
alcohol-related cases, and this is seldom seen with marijuana users. 
The pot smoker is more likely to do some damage to a bag of potato 
chips.

Doctors find it really strange that marijuana requires a permit from 
Ottawa, yet they can prescribe morphine and narcotics without any 
hassles.

The CMAJ also pointed out that at least 1.5 million Canadians prefer 
marijuana to booze and these Canadians are unjustly persecuted.

When will the booze-drinking hypocrites in Ottawa start respecting 
these 1.5 million of us who make the healthier choice?

Ottawa should be held accountable for the billions being wasted in 
this dopey war on Canadian pot smokers.

Norm Siefken

Chilliwack, B.C.
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