Pubdate: Wed, 18 Sep 2002
Source: Oshawa This Week (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002 Oshawa This Week
Contact:  http://www.durhamregion.com/dr/community/oshawa/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1767
Author: Adam Wiggins
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?218 (Canadian Senate Committee on 
Illegal Drugs)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

RECOMMENDATION TO LEGALIZE CANNABIS WISE

To the Editor:

Despite a few officials' misgivings, the Canadian Senate's recommendation 
to legalize responsible cannabis use is a wise one. The criminalization of 
cannabis has filled jails with otherwise law-abiding citizens, inspired 
disdain for the law among youth and made organized criminals extremely 
rich. Increased enforcement has only exacerbated the situation. By 
regulating the market, we can place proper age controls on the use of 
cannabis, and take it out of the hands of black market drug dealers. 
Government resources currently spent on enforcement can be diverted to 
education and treatment. And most importantly, we can stop locking up 
productive citizens who use cannabis responsibly - thus saving a jail cell 
for a real criminal.

Adam Wiggins, Pasadena, CA
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager