Pubdate: Thu, 25 Jul 2002
Source: Express (Nelson, CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Kootenay Express Communication Corp.
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/2339
Website:  http://www.expressnews.ca

DECRIMINALIZE THE POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA

England has done it.  Canada is considering it.  Decriminalization
does not mean condoning it or that it's use would be totally legal.
If you stay too long at the parking space, you may have to pay a fine,
but you are not a criminal.

Decriminalization would mean that money resources that are now being
spent to put people through the court system could now be spent on
research to find more health use for medical marijuana.

Decriminalization would mean more resources could be spent researching
the negative effect of marijuana and decriminalization means more
money could be spent on education to discourage marijuana use.

We have legal tobacco and yet Canadian consumption of tobacco products
has been decreasing over the last few years.  This is due to greater
awareness of the dangers of tobacco products.  The large government
and non-governmental campaigns to decrease its use have been successful.

There simply is no benefit to criminalizing people for a health and
social problem. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake