Pubdate: Sat, 22 Jun 2002
Source: Manila Times (Philippines)
Copyright: The Manila Times 2000
Contact:  http://www.manilatimes.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921
Author: David Jones
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1062/a05.html

DEATH PENALTY FOR MARIJUANA POSSESSION

I was shocked and deeply disturbed to read of the recent new anti-drug
laws in the Philippines.

I have visited your beautiful country three times and lived there for
11 months, and my wife is a Filipina, so you could say part of my
heart is very much with you.

The threat to impose the death penalty for possession of marijuana is
a gross over-reaction and would be absurd if it were not so
frightening. With all the various problems facing the Philippines,
tougher laws against soft drugs would not seem to be a pressing
priority. Here in the UK, by contrast, cannabis is about to be
decriminalized.

Marijuana is a natural plant, mentioned in the Bible as a healing
herb. Your catholic president should consult the Good Book!

Davy King

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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake