Pubdate: Thu, 18 Oct 2007 Source: Windsor Star (CN ON) Copyright: 2007 The Windsor Star Contact: http://www.canada.com/windsor/windsorstar/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/501 Author: Alison Myrden CHRONICALLY ILL DESERVE ACCESS TO 'ILLEGAL' DRUGS Kudos to The Windsor Star and to readers like Glen Walker. Drug education has come a long way since Programs like DARE were introduced to the youth of our communities many years ago. Letter writer Ron Ricci needs to read the study entitled The Facts about Drug Abuse from the Drug Abuse Council 1980. In this study it is proven that psychoactive substances have been available throughout recorded history and will remain so. To try to eliminate them completely is unrealistic. These days groups such as LEAP -- Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, EfSDP -- Educators for Sensible Drug Policy and SfSDP -- Students for Sensible Drug Policy are the way to go. I am a retired law enforcement officer and a vocal speaker for LEAP because I am caught in the middle of this drug war. Speaking also as a legal cannabis patient in Canada, I see something is seriously wrong with this picture. Help me legalize and regulate all drugs so the chronically ill can choose cannabis among other drugs as medicine and have a steady, safe and affordable supply. ALISON MYRDEN Burlington - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman