Pubdate: Fri, 13 Sep 2002
Source: Sentinel Review (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002 Annex Publishing & Printing Inc.
Contact:  http://www.annexweb.com/sentinel
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2385
Author: Jerry Epstein

MORE SUPPORT FOR MARIJUANA

Thanks to Eric Schmiedl for his support of the Senate special committee on 
Illegal drugs and legalized marijuana.

The committee says, "Scientific evidence overwhelmingly indicates that 
cannabis is substantially less harmful than alcohol" and that the gateway 
theory "has not been validated by empirical research and is considered 
outdated." Potency is a red herring since studies show users simply smoke 
less of the more potent strains. These points are confirmed by the 1999 
report ordered by the U.S. White House from the Institute of Medicine 
[IOM]. The IOM report and related issues are briefly summarized in my free 
booklet, "Are Texans being denied access to a vital medicine?" at www.dpft.org.

Illegal marijuana is easier for teens to get in the U.S than regulated 
alcohol. I strongly doubt Canada is any different. Use is so widespread 
that it's obvious that anyone who wants it, gets it.

This is now the ninth major government study of marijuana since 1969 and 
they have all concluded that marijuana should at least be "decriminalized." 
The committee made a powerful case for regulation instead of the waste and 
hypocrisy inherent in decriminalization.

Why taxpayers should pay for futile attempts to stop sales for the benefit 
of illegal dealers is beyond me, especially when tax revenues could benefit 
taxpayers instead.

Please, Canada, don't let the U.S. bully you out of your common sense.

Jerry Epstein

President, Drug Policy Forum of Texas

Houston,Texas
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom