Pubdate: Wed, 01 Dec 2004
Source: Sunstar Bacolod (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004sSunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1718
Author: CCD
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

POLICE CHIEF SAYS NO TO MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

Superintendent Mark Edison Belarma, acting police provincial director, 
disclosed he is against legalizing the use of marijuana in the country.

He was referring to the proposal of Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Mikey Arroyo 
that met opposition in Congress.

Belarma said legalizing marijuana use would be a "stepping stone" for drug 
addiction.

He added Arroyo's move would benefit only the police who will no longer run 
after marijuana users, but "we are concerned about the curious youngsters."

Belarma noted most marijuana users are elementary and high school students 
who can be easily coaxed.

He disclosed marijuana plantations are vast in the Mountain Province and in 
Kalinga Apayao.

The bulk of these are being transported to Europe where marijuana use is legal.

Canada is also a transshipment point of marijuana plants as well as 
Cambodia where marijuana is "openly sold" and used to treat people with asthma.

Belarma further revealed drug users prefer marijuana because it's cheaper 
than shabu, cocaine and other illegal drugs.

The acting director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office also 
said he is not amenable to Arroyo's proposal because using marijuana could 
affect the youth as "future of our motherland."
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