Pubdate: Mon, 19 Apr 2004
Source: Halifax Herald (CN NS)
Copyright: 2004 The Halifax Herald Limited
Contact:  http://www.herald.ns.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/180
Author: Doreen Burke
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

WRONG CHOICE

Marc Emery, the corporate owner of a major marijuana seed distribution 
company, promoting his product at Dalhousie University, stated parents and 
teachers "know that people who are high won't automatically bend to 
authority, so they try to frighten young people with harsh punishments" 
(April 13 story).

Teens and young adults are at a time in life when they need to make 
meaningful choices with a clear head, if they are to reach their goals and 
become productive members of society. There is no doubt that marijuana, 
when used by young people, can and does interfere with motivation and 
ability to study, concentrate and hence achieve meaningful goals.

Mr. Emery, you have made your life choices. Please allow young people, 
parents and teachers the freedom to achieve their goals in life without 
your calculated interference at such a vulnerable time. If you really cared 
about young people, rather than increasing your power and influence over 
them by dangling marijuana, you would be advocating for better access to 
more affordable education and better health care for teens and young 
adults. They need help to deal with their problems, rather than the false 
sense of euphoria that you advocate.

Doreen Burke, Halifax
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager