Pubdate: Wed, 28 Mar 2001
Source: Halifax Daily News (CN NS)
Copyright: 2001 The Daily News.
Contact:  http://www.hfxnews.southam.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/179
Author: Alan Randell
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n912/a10.html

MARCH'S DRUG STANCE FALLS SHORT

To the editor:

Re: Grim Reefer isn't so Scary, by Peter March (May 21).

Peter March supports decriminalizing marijuana (I think he means legalizing 
it, but let's not quibble), because it is not part of the drug culture and 
"belongs in the same category as alcohol and tobacco, as a safe 
recreational substance when used in moderation."

What evidence can Peter March place before us to demonstrate that heroin, 
for instance, is more harmful than marijuana or alcohol or tobacco "when 
used in moderation?"

The 1973 Le Dain Commission concluded, "There appears to be little 
permanent physiological damage from chronic use of pure opiate narcotics."

Let's go further: why does March think that the government has the right to 
punish people for what they choose to ingest into their own bodies, whether 
the substance in question is harmful?

Alan Randell

Victoria, B.C.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager