Pubdate: Sat, 07 Sep 2002 Source: Kitchener-Waterloo Record (CN ON) Copyright: 2002 Kitchener-Waterloo Record Contact: http://www.therecord.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/225 Author: Sharon Gingrich Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1666/a03.html NO 16-YEAR-OLD POT HEADS In response to the "pot debate" articles, I am totally aghast that Senate committee members would consider legalizing pot for 16-year-olds. Have they totally lost their senses? Why don't they just lower the drinking age while they are at it? I have no problem accepting the fact that marijuana will no doubt become legalized, but it must be done in a sensible manner. Allowing children (at 16 they are still children with a great deal to learn) to think that they can deal with the effects of that drug in a responsible manner is ridiculous. Does the Senate committee not realize that these kids will think it's OK to smoke a joint and then get behind the wheel of a car? Statistics already confirm that the No. 1 cause of teenage deaths occurs with driving accidents. Are we going to add another catalyst for potential disaster to this age group? I sincerely hope that this committee does further research and rethinks the minimum legal age requirement. In my opinion, it would make sense to allow legal access to marijuana for those 19 years of age and older, as is the requirement for consumption of alcohol. People must remember, marijuana may be organic, but it is still a mind-altering, reflex-diminishing drug. If it is to be legalized, it should be for adult use, not for our youth. Sharon Gingrich, Waterloo - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D