Pubdate: Fri, 13 Sep 2002
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Matthew M. Elrod
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1696/a03.html

AVAILABLE ANYWHERE

Re; "Senate dope deal a mind blower," Neil Haesler, Opinion, Sept. 9.

Haesler asked us to picture students purchasing cannabis on the way to 
school and showing up for class stoned. Sadly, this requires no stretch of 
the imagination. As it stands, students purchase cannabis on campus. My 
eldest daughter's high school is awash in illicit drugs, but for some 
mysterious reason, there are no beer dealers to be found.

The Senate committee's report recommends that the provinces be permitted to 
establish their own regulatory regimes. The committee anticipated 
provinces, such as Alberta, setting the minimum age for cannabis the same 
as it has set it for alcohol. Provinces might also forbid cannabis 
distributors from opening their doors before late afternoon.

As it stands, anyone of any age can buy cannabis anywhere. We have more 
control over cat food than we do the so-called "controlled drugs and 
substances" because we have abdicated that responsibility to the Hell's Angels.

If you remember Deep Purple's Smoke on the Water, then you should remember 
that the Rolling Stones hired the Hell's Angels to handle security at the 
Altamont rock festival. Why not change the national anthem to "You Can't 
Always Get What You Want."

Matthew M. Elrod, Victoria, B.C.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D