Pubdate: Tue, 14 Oct 2003
Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Page: A24
Copyright: 2003, The Globe and Mail Company
Contact:  http://www.globeandmail.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/168
Author: Scott Russ

MARIJUANA LAWS

Baton Rouge, La. -- I live in Louisiana, which has the highest per-capita 
incarceration rate in the United States. Seventy per cent of our released 
prisoners will return, and we have one of the highest rates of crime in the 
nation.

Our own governor admits that low-level drug offenders are the primary 
reason for these shameful statistics.

I would urge Canadians to seriously think about the consequences of 
criminalizing otherwise law-abiding adults for their use of cannabis. Our 
own government-appointed studies on cannabis recommended that it be 
decriminalized or fully legalized.

Are we really ready for another 30 years of prosecuting otherwise 
law-abiding cannabis consumers? Our so-called leaders need to find the 
courage to end this insanity before Canada becomes the next police state.

Scott Russ
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