Pubdate: Tue, 29 Apr 2003
Source: Langley Advance (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Lower Mainland Publishing Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.langleyadvance.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1248
Author: Sandra Colasanti

MARIJUANA: LEGALIZATION WOULD CUT COSTS

Dear Editor,

No one says marijuana is harmless. It's certainly less harmful than alcohol 
or tobacco, and about as addictive as coffee.

Statistically speaking, in states or countries that have decriminalized it, 
there has been no significant increase in pot use.

People who smoke pot are statistically less likely to drink alcohol or do 
other drugs, including pharmaceuticals, despite what the government says.

There is mounting evidence that marijuana protects the brain and is a 
factor in preventing MS, Alzheimer's, Huntington's and Parkinson's diseases.

It seems to me that given the facts (not Marijuana madness) that our health 
care costs could actually go down. I am tired of my taxes going to trying 
to incarcerate sick people or people who have chosen a different lifestyle. 
Isn't that discrimination?

Health Canada says there are approximately 400,000 Canadians who use it for 
medical purposes.

Sandra Colasanti Maple Ridge
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom