Pubdate: Tue, 10 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: Adam Wiggins

OLD APPROACH HASN'T WORKED

RE: 'Senators would legalize pot' (Sept. 5).

I agree with the Canadian Senate committee's recommendation to legalize 
responsible cannabis use.

The criminalization of cannabis has filled jails with otherwise law-abiding 
citizens, inspired government disdain among youth, and made organized crime 
extremely rich. Increased enforcement of such laws has only exacerbated the 
situation.

It's time to try another approach: legalize and regulate. By regulating the 
market, governments can place proper age controls on the use of cannabis, 
and take it out of the hands of black-market drug dealers.

And government resources currently spent on enforcement can be diverted to 
education and treatment.

- -- Adam Wiggins,

Pasadena, Calif.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom