Pubdate: Wed, 18 Jul 2007
Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU)
Copyright: 2007 The Gazette, a division of Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/montreal/montrealgazette/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n847/a03.html
Author: Stephen Heath

CANADA WON'T BE HIGHEST FOR LONG

Re: "Canada scores high on herb " (Gazette, July 10).

Bravo, Canada! In the perpetual friendly combat between our countries 
to be No. 1 on this or that social issue, it appears for the moment 
that you've bested us with your, um, higher rates of cannabis consumption.

It's probably reasonable to conclude cannabis-use levels are likely 
very similar across North America. But here in the U.S., a wide range 
of criminal and social sanctions can be levied against any adult who 
publicly acknowledges a preference for marijuana over martinis. So 
it's also reasonable to conclude Americans will under-report their 
true use of the bud.

Just wait until we succeed in ending marijuana prohibition in the 
lower 48. Americans will then be able to reply to survey questions 
more honestly and before you know it, your days as kings of cannabis 
consumption will be but a smoky memory.

If you folks take the loss in good spirit, we might then be willing 
to let you win at least one Stanley Cup in exchange.

Stephen Heath

Clearwater, Fla.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom