Pubdate: Wed, 31 Jul 2002
Source: Goldstream Gazette (CN BC)
Copyright: 2002 Goldstream Gazette
Contact:  http://www.goldstreamgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1291
Author: Alan Randell
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1398/a03.html?1964

CIGARETTE MODEL OK FOR DRUGS TOO

Re: Controls on marijuana should consider hazards, July 24.

I agree with most of what you say, but I have a few comments.

- - The headline seems to have little connection to the message of the 
editorial. Perhaps, "Controls on marijuana should be similar to those on 
alcohol and tobacco" would have been more accurate.

- - Alcohol is not controlled the same way as tobacco. Which model do you 
favour for marijuana? Don't forget the B.C. government is planning to 
withdraw from the liquor distribution business.

- - Most, if not all, your arguments in favour of allowing adults to choose 
marijuana apply with equal force, it seems to me, to all the drugs that are 
currently prohibited.  The editorial thus seemed incomplete because it 
didn't address how you envisage how other currently illegal drugs should be 
"controlled."

I feel strongly that no government has the right to punish anyone for 
ingesting anything, however harmful, so my solution is to allow the corner 
store to sell any drug - the tobacco model if you will.

Alan Randell, Victoria
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MAP posted-by: Tom