Pubdate: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 Source: Windsor Star (CN ON) Copyright: The Windsor Star 2005 Contact: http://www.canada.com/windsor/windsorstar/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501 Author: M. Kelly Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) DECRIMINALIZING POT WON'T DEGRADE SOCIETY I am writing to respond to the letter that Fareeaa Abdool wrote. It's just crazy that people in this world are so against decriminalization of marijuana. If only the government can figure out a way to tax this drug, because it's used by people who wouldn't even be suspected. But has marijuana killed anyone ever in its time? I don't believe so. Marijuana is far more suitable than alcohol or even heavier drugs. The effects of marijuana do not ruin your immune system or disorient a person from doing the day-to-day things they do. Alcohol and other heavier drugs do, not marijuana. If it was decriminalized, then our court system wouldn't be backed up due to marijuana possession. I also know that there are a lot of people in this province who are in court for possession charges due to marijuana, but do you really think if they get caught once, they are going to stop? If marijuana was decriminalized then the court systems would be far more efficient. I can see being fined and no jail time if it's for personal use, but if you get caught trafficking it, I do believe jail time would be a very good choice. But how would it degrade our society if pot was decriminalized? That is just blown way out of proportion. M. Kelly Comber - --- MAP posted-by: Beth