Pubdate: Fri, 21 Nov 2008 Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC) Copyright: 2008 The Vancouver Sun Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/letters.html Website: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477 Author: Brad Hignell Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n1046/a03.html MARIJUANA BENEFITS SOCIETY IN SEVERAL WAYS Re: Ignoring marijuana mayhem is irresponsible, Voice of the People, Nov. 19 I believe H. J. Esau's letter missed important facts. I agree that marijuana, especially too much of it, can cause harm to some people, but it can also help other people enjoy life. It is arguably less harmful than alcohol. Like alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, marijuana does not go away when it is prohibited. We are wasting an opportunity to increase government revenue by letting the production and sale of marijuana go untaxed. Other things cause harm to people, too. Consider the millions dead after wars fought over religion. Is that enough cause to prohibit religion? Religion is a big part of the lives of most people on this planet and the peace of mind religions give people should not be overlooked because of some problems that exist. Similarly, the potential for marijuana to contribute in a positive way to society should not be irresponsibly ignored. Brad Hignell Vancouver - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin