Pubdate: Tue, 02 Nov 2004 Source: Toronto Star (CN ON) Copyright: 2004 The Toronto Star Contact: http://www.thestar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456 Author: Saul Brown Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) LEGALIZE, REGULATE MARIJUANA USE Re: Sparks of Life for New Pot Bill What's the deal with giving children a break for marijuana possession? As responsible citizens, we should be making laws that deter children from using drugs, not giving them discounts. Personally, I believe possession of marijuana should be legalized and regulated. There are no good reasons why marijuana use should be treated any differently than alcohol or tobacco, both of which are taxed and regulated as such that a) minors cannot legally purchase them and b) it is an offence to purchase them for minors. We are giving the youth of today the wrong message, making decisions for them all that much more confusing. I truly believe that substance use is a black or white issue; it should either be illegal or legal and regulated. Saul Brown Toronto - ---