Pubdate: Fri, 27 Sep 2002
Source: Cambridge Reporter, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2002 The Cambridge Reporter
Contact:  http://www.cambridge-reporter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1470
Author: Jim Baldwin

NOT ALL USERS SMOKE IT

Recent letters to the editor have opposed legalization of marijuana because 
it is detrimental to health when smoked. First, I would like to say that 
marijuana doesn't need to be smoked to be used. It can be added to foods, 
and also vapourizers can be used to use marijuana without the smoke side 
effects. As for the perceived ill health effects on the body, as the Senate 
report has stated, as have countless other studies and reports, it is less 
harmful than alcohol or tobacco.

As for the government using expensive and limited police resources to find 
marijuana, a native plant to Canada that grows wild in areas, I must say 
that wouldn't finding potential terrorists, murderers and rapists be more 
efficient?

Do we not have the right to do what we want with our bodies as long as no 
one else is harmed? As a taxpayer I am insulted by this futile "war on 
drugs." Haven't we learned anything from alcohol Prohibition? Why not just 
tax it at realistic levels, and set laws against public use, under 19, etc. 
Taxes are what Canadians do best. We could be pioneers in this new revenue 
stream and stop smuggling at the same time! As for the argument 
legalization will harm children, haven't enough freedoms been taken away 
"to protect children" already?

Jim Baldwin

Guelph
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