Pubdate: Tue, 03 Jun 2003
Source: Halifax Herald (CN NS)
Copyright: 2003 The Halifax Herald Limited
Contact:  http://www.herald.ns.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/180
Author: Laura Kendall

HARD TO BELIEVE

I find some of the comments being made about decriminalizing marijuana hard 
to believe.

First, I don't understand why the public sees such a huge difference 
between alcohol and marijuana. Alcohol has negative health side-effects (as 
does tobacco smoke). Many crimes are committed while under the influence of 
alcohol. Many individuals become violent or destructive under alcohol's 
influence or become addicted. Alcohol can cause death (which is highly 
unlikely with marijuana use), yet it is used publicly and legally. The 
decriminalization of marijuana would only allow for private, in-home, 
personal use, which would likely lead to an intense video game session, a 
nap or snacking.

Second (take it from a "young person"), eliminating the threat of a 
criminal record is not going to make "young people" more apt to start 
smoking marijuana. Marijuana use is highly common in junior high and high 
schools, and making the habit less taboo may prevent some rebellious 
teenagers from starting. I do, however, agree that a 15-gram limit is too 
high for personal use. The limit should be more like five to seven grams.

Last, it seems our government is so opposed to making marijuana legal 
mainly because it would take years to control and tax the market, as it 
does with tobacco. There are far too many outlets now for users to obtain 
it, giving the government no firm hold on the revenue that it could create.

Laura Kendall,

artmouth
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens