Pubdate: Sat, 02 Jun 2001
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Hollinger Canadian Newspapers
Contact:  http://vvv.com/home/timesc/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: Chuck Beyer

THE EVIDENCE IS ON POT'S SIDE

Ken Lane's statement in a letter ("body of evidence against marijuana", 
May29) is not correct. In the recent constitutional court cases of Regina 
vs. Christopher Clay and Regina vs. David Malmo Levine and Victor Eugene 
Caine all the evidence was weighed by judges.

the ruled that occasional use is not harmful, that marijuana is not 
addictive, does not make people violent, and that less than one percent try 
other drugs ( gateway theory is debunked). consequently the law was found 
unconstitutional.

Furthermore, recent polls show that the vast majority of Canadians no 
longer want criminal sanctions for possession, and that fully one half want 
total legalization. The people are speaking loud and clear on this issue 
and the will of the people must prevail.

The world Lane and other prohibitionists have built is one where police 
have the authority to blow the locks off your doors in the middle of the 
night with concussion grenades in order to find marijuana in your house.

Sometimes people die in the process. and sometimes the police go to the 
wrong address by accident. and they do all this without the consent of the 
majority.

This is not the world I want to give the next generation.

Chuck Beyer Victoria
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom