Pubdate: Sat, 07 Sep 2002 Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON) Copyright: The Hamilton Spectator 2002 Contact: http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/181 Author: Wayne Phillips IT'S LONG OVERDUE Legalizing Marijuana RE: 'Legalizing pot a pipe dream' (Sept. 5). This Spectator editorial contends that Canadians aren't ready for a step as drastic as legalization of cannabis, arguing that such a change would make this country's drug laws even more liberal than places like the Netherlands. Considering that the Netherlands has one of the lowest crime rates per capita of any democratic nation, bar none, is that such a bad thing? It's sheer folly to continue to ignore, dismiss or misinterpret volumes of scientific research, judicial findings, and shelved reports in order to promote pseudo-science, flawed or contrived studies and phoney moralisms. One has only to look south to see the stark contrasts (between America and the Netherlands) and societal harms brought about by cannabis prohibition. There is no credible evidence demonstrating that the prohibition of cannabis is not detrimental to societal well-being. Canada is indeed long overdue for reform. Wayne Phillips, Hamilton - --- MAP posted-by: Alex