Pubdate: Wed, 28 May 2003 Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2003 The Calgary Sun Contact: http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67 Author: Matthew Bieber Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by newshawk A STEP FORWARD The facelift to our nation's sadly outdated drug laws has given me more hope for our typically flip-flopping government. I'm pleased to see a step forward into the 21st century, following in the more liberal footsteps of several European nations. One of the major concerns of this initiative is it will lead to a spike in demand for marijuana. I believe, and experience has shown, that decriminalization and/or legalization lead to the reverse effect. Take Amsterdam. The vast majority of users of marijuana in this city and in Holland, are tourists. I say well done to the government for this realistic and well-considered plan. Matthew Bieber (It's a far cry from legalization.) - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom