Pubdate: Sun, 12 Jun 2005
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.ottawasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Derek Snider
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by newshawk
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n911/a08.html?79466

STAND PROUD AND LEAD BY EXAMPLE

RE "U.S. decision will chill Canadian pot plans," by Ike Awgu (June 8): 
Again Ike Awgu is out of touch with reality and Canadian views especially. 
Cannabis has thousands of years of history of medical as well as 
recreational use. It is only due to certain narrow-minded American views 
over the past 80 years that laws were changed.

Despite decades of government funding to prove cannabis to be dangerous, 
research has essentially shown it to be one of the least harmful drugs 
known to man, with new medical benefits constantly being discovered 
including management of pain and nausea, treating brain injuries, shrinking 
tumours and treatment of neurological disorders.

Canada may not impress George W. Bush by choosing logic, reason and science 
over prohibition era mentality, but the right choice isn't always an easy 
one. Besides, rather than living in the shadow of our neighbour to the 
south, we should stand proud and lead by example.

Derek Snider

Toronto

(We have no problems with medical marijuana, but it's not much balanced 
against good relations)
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom