Pubdate: Fri, 04 Aug 2006
Source: Whitehorse Star (CN YK)
Copyright: 2006 Whitehorse Star
Contact:  http://www.whitehorsestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1493
Author: Terry Collins
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?224 (Cannabis and Driving)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)

MAYBE WE SHOULD RETHINK OUR LAWS ON MARIJUANA USE

There have been a couple of articles published in the past couple of 
months about the negative effects of marijuana use and how it should 
be banned completely.

While I agree that the harder drugs - cocaine, crack, ecstasy and the 
like - do not have a place in our society, marijuana may be the 
exception to the rule (and there are always exceptions to the rule).

The effects of marijuana use are quite parallel to those of alcohol. 
They are both addictive, result in similar physical impairments, and 
can cause health risks if ingested in large amounts.

Driving under the influence of either is all too dangerous. There are 
just as many groups for alcohol abuse as there are for drug abuse.

Yet, why is it that individuals over the age of 19 can enjoy one but 
not the other?

I am not suggesting that alcoholic beverages be prohibited, by any means.

I am merely suggesting that we consider making marijuana use legal, 
as long as there is a set of rules for its usage and consequences for 
its misuse, like those set for alcohol consumption.

Terry Collins

Whitehorse
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman