Pubdate: Thu, 22 May 2003 Source: Daily Herald-Tribune, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2003 The Daily Herald-Tribune Contact: http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/804 Author: Wes Irwin GONE TO POT As a high school teacher I work with young people who are receiving a clear endorsement on the use of pot because of a reluctance to enforce the present marijuana laws. Anne McLellan's statements that use would go up following the weakening of our drug laws are already coming true. It is now not uncommon to have students arrive to an 8:30 a.m. class smelling like pot. When this first started, the administration tried to do something, but the students said they were victims of second -hand smoke and were not actually smoking it themselves. I feel sad, because I know their new drug-induced lethargy is affecting their ability and desire to learn. Further, it seems incredibly ironic that if you smoke tobacco it is bad for your health, but if you substitute it with this other medicinal plant, it suddenly becomes a healthy experience that aids in curing most of life's problems. Finally, according to a Vancouver radio station, leaked information on the new government law suggested the law would allow limited use of pot while driving. The station further stated a simple fine would enforce the new marijuana law, but the fine would be lower for young people than adults. As of April 1 in Alberta, teens caught smoking tobacco are charged a fine of $100. If the station's information is true, it seems conceivable that the fine for smoking a small amount of pot would be less than smoking a cigarette. I think we have enough problems is society without fostering an increased use of marijuana, especially among our youth. Wes Irwin Grande Prairie - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom